John O’Riordan

2.00 KILDARE HUNT CLUB MAIDEN HURDLE 2M

El Vasco may be good enough to continue the recent revival of the Conor O’Dwyer stable by claiming this opening race on the card.

In a contest that features more quantity than quality the Royal Anthem gelding looks one of the few runners open to improvement and capable of progression. A good fourth on his debut in a bumper over course and distance he ran well in a couple of maiden hurdles on winter ground and the return to a faster surface combined with the recent improvement in stable fortunes both point to a big run now.

Secrets Safe finished second on his last two starts over hurdles in Britain and if fit enough on his debut for new connections he is capable of making the frame once again.

SELECTION: EL VASCO

Next best: Secrets Safe

2.35 PUNCHESTOWN FOR EVENTS MAIDEN HURDLE 3M

Incitatum has been running with credit in handicap hurdles over staying trips and can put that experience to good use back in maiden company. Although the Cosgrave runner has his limitations and is vulnerable to an unexposed type there appears nothing of that nature in this field. A repeat of his effort at Fairyhouse last time would almost certainly suffice now.

Crosshue Boy has fair form in bumpers this season and with Davy Russell booked for the ride he looks the one most likely to take advantage should the selection fail to give his running.

SELECTION: INCITATUM

Next best: Crosshue Boy

3.10 PUNCHESTOWN.COM HANDICAP HURDLE 3M

Bye Bye O Bye was unfortunate to run into a seriously well handicapped rival at Ballinrobe last time and can make it four wins from his last five. Michael Griffin’s nine-year-old will also be more at home on this faster ground than on his previous start and should make a bold bid to return to winning ways. His Ballinrobe conqueror franked the form midweek and looks likely to compete at a much higher grade later in the season.

At first glance Hogan’s Alley has little to recommend him but his previous two starts at this track were not devoid of promise and Barry Geraghty takes the ride for the first time. As a son of Presenting he should appreciate the nice ground and a big run would not be a surprise.

SELECTION: BYE BYE O BYE

Next best: Hogan’s Alley

3.45 PANORAMIC RESTAURANT HANDICAP CHASE 2M

Mount Colah is the class horse in the line up and provided the ground doesn’t dry out too much he should be able to give weight to his rivals. Winner of a listed chase at Thurles last year, he is a tough consistent type who is very much at home over this trip. Any rain that falls would only aid his cause and make the race more of a stamina test.

Mr Fiftyone ran well for a long ways at the festival here last month and should strip much fitter now. While the Harrington horse is handicapped up to his best, he likes the course and distance and should give a good account.

SELECTION: MOUNT COLAH

Next best: Mr Fiftyone

4.20 ATC CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS BEGINNERS CHASE 2M

Phil’s Magic appeared to find the trip too far on his run here at the festival last month and can make amends at this shorter distance. Sandra Hughes horse was a listed winner over hurdles and will enjoy the underfoot conditions following the recent dry spell.

Marchese Marconi will make a real fight of it as he too has high class form over flights and was a very decent type on the flat. While he is likely to take high rank amongst the novice chasers this summer, O’Brien’s inmate may prefer a little further than the minimum trip and also lacks the fencing experience of the Hughes runner.

SELECTION: PHIL’S MAGIC

Next best: Marchese Marconi

4.55 GO RACING IN KILDARE HANDICAP CHASE 3M1F

Chute Hall has yet to live up to high expectations but is nicely handicapped over fences and can now start to make up for lost time. The Thomas Cooper-trained gelding was consistent in bumpers and maiden hurdles before opening his account once stepped up in trip and has followed a similar pattern over fences. The form of his course and distance third last December has well well advertised since and Barry Geraghty will once again be in the saddle.

Windy Millie represents the in form Paul Flynn stable and looks capable of a big run under Davy Russell. A winner and with multiple places on good ground last season, she is yet another who will benefit from the drying ground.

SELECTION: CHUTE HALL

Next best: Windy Millie

5.25 RACING AGAIN ON 1ST JUNE INH FLAT RACE 2M

Become Legend would not have to anything special in order to make a winning debut for the Mullins camp. The trainer will know exactly what is needed to win a race of this nature and with no stand out performer amongst those that have already appeared on the track it looks a race that will take little winning.