1.30 Jim Ryan Memorial Novice Chase 3m 186yds
Spanish Harlem looks to have an excellent chance of registering a first win over fences. The Willie Mullins-trained gelding has accumulated plenty of experience in handicap company, including when fourth in the Bet365 Gold Cup last time. Back in against fellow novices here, it will be disappointing if he can’t open his account.
No Time To Wait has to improve in order to trouble the likely market leader but should be capable of taking minor honours. Lightly raced over fences, the John McConnell-trained seven-year-old has the potential for further improvement.
SELECTION: SPANISH HARLEM
Next Best: No Time To Wait
2.00 K-Mech Mechanical Handicap Chase 2m 4f 55yds
In Excelsis Deo could be worth chancing on his first start for Enda Bolger. A smart horse in his prime, the seven-year-old has been hindered by poor jumping on more than one occasion. If his new trainer has managed to iron out those kinks, the gelding is nicely handicapped on the best of his form. First-time out could just be the time to catch him.
Lisnagar Fortune rates a serious threat at a track where he tends to come alive. Having won his maiden hurdle here, the Soldier Of Fortune gelding ran his best race over fences to date when third in a listed handicap chase at the festival last month.
SELECTION: IN EXCELSIS DEO
Next Best: Lisnagar Fortune
2.35 INHSC Congratulate Pandora Briselden Ladies Handicap Hurdle
2m 3f 12yds
Recent Downpatrick winner Queenofthelodge has every chance of following up. Although she was raised 6lb subsequently, her rider Toni Quail is able to claim back 4lb in this race. A consistent mare in recent times, the five-year-old has the assistance of this season’s champion lady point-to-point rider.
Your Honor has to be of interest with the booking of Jody Townend catching the eye. A four-time career winner, the six-year-old is fitted with blinkers for the first time.
SELECTION: QUEENOFTHELODGE
Next Best: Your Honor
3.10 Lily & Wild Mares Maiden Hurdle
2m 5f 139yds
Former Roscommon bumper winner Keep Up can strike on her first start over hurdles. Following that initial run, the Willie Mullins-trained mare went on to finish a respectable fifth in a strong listed mares’ bumper at Gowran Park. Off the track since then, the five-year-old is sure to be fit and ready for this introduction to jumping.
Fillusin sets the standard amongst those with previous experience over flights. The Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old has reached the frame on four of her five runs to date.
SELECTION: KEEP UP
Next best: Fillusin
3.45 John Dowling Memorial Maiden Hurdle 2m 7f 116yds
Having proven his stamina for such a test at Tipperary last time, William Butler appears to hold strong claims. After being outpaced early in the straight, the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding rallied well to stay on for third. Provided he can lie up with the leaders around this tight track, the five-year-old should be staying on at the finish.
Stablemate Jazz De Cotte could prove to be his biggest danger. Runner-up at Downpatrick last month, the six-year-old looks to be crying out for a proper test. Fitted with first-time cheekpieces here, it would be no surprise to see him improve further.
SELECTION: WILLIAM BUTLER
Next Best: Jazz De Cotte
4.20 Madison Flooring Supporting
Kilmacud Crokes Handicap Hurdle
2m 7f 116yds
Londonofficecallin, who ran well in a stronger race here at the Festival, can resume winning ways. Subsequently third at Ballinrobe, the Gavin Cromwell-trained gelding looks to have the scope for further improvement. A four-time winner on the flat, the eight-year-old appears to still have a bit in hand in this discipline.
Howdoyalikeherhome should be suited to stepping back up in trip, having reached the frame over shorter on his latest two starts. The Gordon Elliott trained gelding ran well at this track for previous connections.
SELECTION: LONDONOFFICECALLIN
Next Best: Howdoyalikeherhome
4.55 Bermingham Cameras Maiden Hurdle 2m 125yds
The 122-rated Luker’s Tipple has strong claims of landing a first success over hurdles. Runner-up on his first two runs under National Hunt rules, the Andrew Kinirons-trained gelding would almost certainly have filled a similar position in a listed race at Musselburgh but for falling at the last. Subsequently mid division in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham, he should find this easier.
Watching The Clock, who made a highly encouraging racecourse debut at Tipperary last month, has to be respected. Held up in rear, the Padraig Roche-trained filly stayed on nicely to reach the frame.
SELECTION: LUKER’S TIPPLE
Next Best: Watching The Clock
5.30 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares
(Pro/Am) INH Flat Race 2m 125yds
Zanoosh should have every chance of following up her impressive win at Fairyhouse. The Colm Murphy-trained mare quickened up smartly to beat a subsequent winner in good style. With a couple of those further behind also getting off the mark next time, the form has a strong look to it. The Gavin Cromwell-trained Kabylia has to be respected reverting to bumper company. Runner-up over hurdles at Sligo recently, connections clearly feel she is capable of adding to her earlier win at Kilbeggan.
SELECTION: ZANOOSH
Next Best: Kabylia