John O’Riordan

12.40 TOTAL EVENT RENTAL HANDICAP HURDLE 2M

After Rain remains a young hurdler of some potential and can go close now having had a previous run under his belt. The J.P. McManus owned six-year-old was sent off favourite for the Coral Handicap Hurdle last season but disappointed when finishing mid-division. Up to that point he appeared a really progressive type and had been a real eyecatcher when third at Fairyhouse on his prep run. While he showed little on this month’s return at Down Royal, he is likely to have derived plenty of benefit from the run and it may be significant that Barry Geraghty stays loyal.

Ancient Sands never seems to run a bad race and should be right in the mix here. John Kiely’s charge ran one of his best races to date last time, when sixth in the Galway Hurdle. Although he has less scope for improvement than most of these, he is certain to run to his mark and that should be good enough to see him go close.

Selection: AFTER RAIN

Next best: Ancient Sands

1.10 RYANS CLEANING CRADDOCKSTOWN NOVICE CHASE (GRADE 2) 2M

Identity Thief was near top-class over hurdles and made a very pleasing debut over fences when winning over course and distance last month. He travelled and jumped particularly well in the race, giving every indication that he can make an even better chaser. Henry de Bromhead has his team in tremendous form at present and he seems to be making a habit of mopping up these big weekend prizes. He will fully expect this six-year-old to take another step on the road which may well lead to an Arkle Chase next March.

Ball D’Arc was a decent hurdler last season although some way inferior to the selection. However, he has progressed nicely over fences and makes his fifth start in this race. Should the likely favourite fail to give his true running, his fellow Gigginstown-owned rival can take advantage.

Selection: IDENTITY THIEF

Next best: Ball D’Arc

1.45 FLORIDA PEARL NOVICE CHASE (GRADE 2) 2M 6F

Disko has always promised to make the grade as a chaser and went some way towards fulfilling that promise on his fencing debut last time. The imposing grey was an impressive winner of his first start over the larger obstacles when easily disposing of the opposition at this track. Indeed he has become something of a Punchestown specialist, winning on his bumper debut here before finishing second in the Grade 1 equivalent at the festival. Racing at his favoured venue with optimum ground and trip he should be good enough to take this prize.

Nambour is also a previous course winner and he made a pleasing debut over fences at Galway last month. He jumped particularly well in the latter stages of that race and looks like racing close to the pace here. His rider has few equals when it comes to making the running so the combination deserve close consideration.

Selection: DISKO

Next best: Nambour

2.50 I.N.H STALLION OWNERS EBF MAIDEN HURDLE 2M 6F

The Storyteller should gain some compensation here having appeared an unlucky loser at Down Royal last time. Gordon Elliott’s charge was travelling well when coming down at the second last in a race where he appeared to hold all the aces. After that contest he appealed as one to be on in a similar contest next time and nothing has changed in the interim. This trip should prove ideal and he is put forward as the most creditable candidate.

Coeur Joyeux has been placed in six of his seven starts and done little wrong in those outings. He may well have just been struggling against more pacy types in bumpers and earlier maiden hurdles so he should also appreciate the distance here. Barry Geraghty prefers him over the other McManus runners so that decision has to be respected.

Selection: THE STORYTELLER

Next best: Coeur Joyeux

3.25 FLYNN & LYNCH LIFE AND PENSIONS SUPPORTING LONGFORD GAA HANDICAP HURDLE 2M 6F

First To Boogie ran well over a slightly shorter trip here last time, staying on strongly close home having met trouble in running. He had previous occupied a similar position over the same course and distance. A step up in distance should prove no hindrance now and he is possibly well handicapped on a literal reading of that latest run. Davy Russell takes the mount for the first time and he is likely to deliver his challenge late on.

Dawerann is one to note on his first start for Gordon Elliott. Although his best form has been on a sounder surface, he is particularly well handicapped at present and if his new surrounding have rekindled his interest he could run a big race. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time a switch to the leading trainer has worked the oracle.

Selection: FIRST TO BOOGIE

Next best: Dawerann

3.55 BRADY’S HAM SUPPORTING KILDARE GAA (PRO/AM) INH FLAT RACE 2M

Samcro arrives with a big reputation from the point-to-point field and will most likely be sent to post a short-priced favourite. A winner at Monksgrange in April, the second horse has since won over hurdles in Britain. With the pair drawing 20 lengths clear of the rest, the form appears strong and he is taken to make a winning debut under rules.

Arctic Light won a bumper over course and distance last month, having too much toe for his four rivals. With another small turnout here, he has to be carefully watched by the other riders, as Patrick Mullins may well steal a march on them. He will find it difficult with a winners’ penalty to carry but is proven at this level and sets a fair standard.

Selection: SAMCRO

Next best: Arctic Light