Ryan McElligott

1.30 INH STALLION OWNERS EBF NOVICE HURDLE (LISTED) 2M

Cilaos Emery got his hurdling carer off to a bright start at Navan seven weeks ago with a stylish 6l victory over the subsequent winner and Grade 2-placed Joey Sasa. That effort suggested that he could develop into a novice hurdler of some substance and he should improve appreciably for that run, which means that he could take a good deal of beating here. He is chosen to see off the useful Mick Jazz, who holds a rating of 134 and comes here off a good third in a high class 2m handicap at Fairyhouse two months ago. The lightly raced French import Sire Du Berlais looks an interesting contestant on his Irish debut.

Selection: CILAOS EMERY

Next best: Mick Jazz

2.00 PERTEMPS NETWORK GROUP HANDICAP HURDLE 3M

This could see The Crafty Butcher gain a deserved success following two fine runs in defeat. Last time out he ran a fine second to Noble Endeavor in the Paddy Power Chase and before that he was third to Jury Duty in a quality 2m 7f handicap hurdle at Navan. He should land decent prizes this spring. The unexposed Presenting Percy ran well in the Leopardstown qualifier of this series when he was beaten just over 7l into fifth by Electric Concorde. That was only his fourth run over hurdles and he looks the type to do better still. The selection’s stablemate Isleofhopendreams looked an unlucky loser when only just denied in that same Leopardstown race and must have a major chance.

Selection: THE CRAFTY BUTCHER

Next best: Presenting Percy

2.30 P.P. HOGAN MEMORIAL CROSS COUNTRY CHASE 3M

Ballyboker Bridge has a superb record in this race and he can claim victory for the third year in succession. A particularly adept cross-country performer, he looked as good as ever on his return to action over this course and distance in November when he chased home Cantlow. Enda Bolger fields three interesting challengers and the pick of these could be Auvergnat who looked to be running well when exiting relatively late on in a cross-country race at Cheltenham last weekend.

Love Rory enjoys the demands posed by this track and won this race back in 2014. He served notice that he was returning to form with an encouraging effort over hurdles at Gowran Park last week.

Selection: BALLYBOKER BRIDGE

Next best: Auvergnat

3.00 BOYLESPORTS TIED COTTAGE CHASE (GRADE 2) 2M

This is another straight forward assignment for Douvan as he continues his build up to Cheltenham. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Arkle Chase hero has been utterly imperious on his two starts over fences this season and the form of his recent success over Sizing John was endorsed by the latter’s subsequent Grade 3 victory at Thurles. Douvan has faced much stronger tests than this and won with any amount to spare so defeat here would be nothing short of a seismic shock.

Smashing has his preferred ground for the first time this season. He has been well held on his previous starts this term but at his best he is a very smart chaser and expect him to provide the sternest opposition.

Selection: DOUVAN

Next best: Smashing

3.30 PUNCHESTOWN BEGINNERS CHASE 2M 6F

Velocity Boy gets the vote although the trip is a slight concern as he has yet to race beyond 2m 4f on the track and his last outing came over 2m. However, he showed that he wouldn’t have too much difficulty making his mark in a beginners’ chase when finishing a 1l second to Last Goodbye over 2m 4f at Down Royal over Christmas.

Robin Thyme might be the biggest danger. He was having his first run since March when running a solid race to be beaten by just over 12l into fourth by Edwulf in a 2m 4f beginners’ chase here last month. He is entitled to improve on that showing. Be The Hero looks like one that should make a reasonable chaser but he hasn’t run since a fall on his chasing debut three months ago.

Selection: VELOCITY BOY

Next best: Robin Thyme

4.00 RACINGUK.COM NATIONAL TRIAL HANDICAP CHASE (GRADE B) 3M 4F

A chance is taken on As De Pique whose recent form gives him an excellent chance although he has generally run on better ground than here. The relatively lightly raced 12-year-old has a light weight to aid his cause and his recent form bears close inspection. He ran well to finish sixth in the Paddy Power Chase last time out and before that he reached the frame in the Porterstown Chase at Fairyhouse and the Cork National – two efforts which indicate that this trip is no problem for him.

Bonny Kate dominated this race last year. She is 13lbs higher this time around but her efforts this term would suggest she will play a leading role. She was a good third to Empire Of Dirt in the Troytown in November and she filled the same position when finishing 17l behind Champagne West in last week’s Thyestes.

Selection: AS DE PIQUE

Next best: Bonny Kate

4.30 GOFFS INVITATIONAL SALE (PRO/AM) FLAT RACE 2M

Derrinross makes plenty of appeal on his second outing. This former winning pointer began his career on the track with a pleasing second to the smart looking Next Destination at Fairyhouse a month ago. In a race run at quite a steady pace, he finished he nicely be beaten by just ¾l and he should improve off that effort.

Oakley Hall stepped forward from his debut second at Down Royal to be beaten 1¼l by Paloma Blue in a Fairyhouse bumper last month. He looks like a legitimate contender.

Judgement Day is also respected on his debut second behind Ballyluskey at Limerick while the placed pointer Clitandre warrants the utmost attention as a Willie Mullins-trained newcomer.

Selection: DERRINROSS

Next best: Oakley Hall