Ryan McElligott

12.30 JIM MURPHY CONTRACT FENCE BUILDER IRISH EBF BEGINNERS CHASE 2M 2F

Koshari has a 400-day absence to overcome but he is a potentially classy recruit to chasing. He has run just twice for Willie Mullins and he looked very smart when winning a decent conditions hurdle at the 2016 Punchestown Festival. It is a concern that he hasn’t run since struggling to make an impact at Naas 13 months ago but it is worth taking a chance than he can fulfil his early potential.

Wishmoor weakened badly in the closing stages of a Limerick beginners’ chase won by Jury Duty two months ago but that was not his true showing. He was a capable sort over hurdles and should do just as well over fences. If he returns to form he could pose a greater threat than Fire In His Eyes who was third Jett here last month.

Selection: KOSHARI

Next best: Wishmoor

1.00 ADARE MANOR OPPORTUNITY HANDICAP CHASE 2M 4F 88YDS

A first racecourse victory could be in the offing for Fitzhenry whose last two runs would indicate that a race like this can fall his way. He was hit with a 7lbs hike for his last run at Punchestown when he was beaten just a short head by Flynsini and that is a notable rise to overcome. However, this five-year-old does have more room for improvement than any of his rivals.

The capable Flemenstorm fell with three to jump in the same Punchestown race and before that he posted a solid effort to chase home Teacher’s Pet in a handicap chase at Roscommon. He appeals as a stronger candidate than several of his rivals.

Selection: FITZHENRY

Next best: Flemenstorm

1.35 MOLONY CUP HANDICAP CHASE (0-109) 3M 121YDS

Simple Steps is a tentative choice is a decidedly tricky contest. This mare won a couple of point-to-points two years ago and her recent form would suggest that this trip will suit her well. She was placed behind Larry Capri in a 3m handicap chase at Fairyhouse in January and she again showed up well over that trip when finishing third to King’s Song in a handicap chase at Punchestown in October. The 2m 4f trip was possibly a little on the short side for her at Naas last month. The reliable Dinnie’s Vinnie must have a good chance having failed by only a head against Erkindale Lady in a 2m 7f handicap chase at Fairyhouse last month.

Selection: SIMPLE STEPS

Next best: Dinnie’s Vinnie

2.10 IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF BOREEN BELLE MARES NOVICE HURDLE (LISTED) 2M

Over this course and distance last month Dawn Shadow turned in her best effort yet to account for some decent mares, including Lesley Dawn, in a well contested conditions event. Previously a runner-up behind Forge Meadow in a Punchestown listed contest, Dawn Shadow has done nothing but improve with each run over hurdles and there is every reason to believe that she can do better .

This progressive daughter of King’s Theatre is chosen ahead of the very promising True Self who is unbeaten in three starts for Willie Mullins. The most recent of those came in a maiden hurdle over this course and distance last month when she took advantage of a very straight forward opportunity.

Selection: DAWN SHADOW

Next best: True Self

2.40 RICHARD BRENNAN FENCING SERVICES HANDICAP HURDLE 2M

Pairofbrowneyes is a speculative choice as he returns to a trip that suits him best. He showed some quality form over this trip as a chaser and he is chosen in the hope that he can take advantage of a hurdles rating which is much lower than the one he holds over fences. This distance should be much more suitable than the 2m 6f he tackled at Navan last time.

Carrigmoorna Matt is switching back to hurdles following a couple of runs over fences. His sole hurdling win was achieved over 2m 4f but he did show up well over this distance at Tipperary in October and he could play a leading role.

Selection: PAIROFBROWNEYES

Next best: Carrigmoorna Matt

3.10 HORSE & JOCKEY HOTEL RATED NOVICE HURDLE 2M 7F 36YDS

This could see Call It Magic bring up a hat-trick. He has been in excellent form over fences lately as evidenced by handicap chase triumphs at Ballinrobe and Galway. The trip and ground look suitable for him and it is worth recalling that he did show up well in some very useful maiden hurdles a couple of seasons ago. He wasn’t at his best on his last outing over hurdles in August but there are grounds for believing that he will do much better here.

His biggest threat could come from Laverteen who should find this test much more suitable than the high-class 2m handicap hurdle he contested last time. His previous maiden hurdle efforts behind Next Destination and Lucky Pass represent strong pieces of form.

Selection: CALL IT MAGIC

Next best: Laverteen

3.45 RYAN TARMACADAM (PRO/AM) FLAT RACE 2M

Rhinestone is taken to build on his solid debut at Punchestown last month. He went off an odds on chance for a three-runner bumper on that occasion but went down by 1½l to the useful Athenean who did his bit to uphold the form when landing a maiden hurdle at Cork last weekend. The Montjeu gelding can make his experience count against the Willie Mullins newcomer Sancta Simona who is a daughter of Saddex and numbers a Group 2 and Group 3-placed German runner amongst her siblings.

Selection: RHINESTONE

Next best: Sancta Simona