2.45 Paddy Power “I’d Love A Can But Pints Are Cheaper” Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) 3m

Naturally, this is ferociously competitive and a case can be made for many. The form of the Pertemps Qualifier over this course and distance at Christmas often is a good guide, so it’s not a surprise to see Panda Boy top the market at the time of writing.

However, the third in that race, Futurum Regem, could be the answer. He has been really progressive for Hugh Finnegan this season, winning a two-mile-six-furlong handicap hurdle at Navan in November before returning to the track to take the Grade B Tara Handicap Hurdle over two furlongs shorter. He needed every yard of that trip, so he did well to win, and the form has worked out with The Very Man scoring over the same trip at Navan two weeks back. On his latest start Futurum Regem travelled well into the straight and looked a big danger only for his effort to peter out late home. However, the likely drier ground is in his favour and he remains progressive. He also has a decent weight swing with Panda Boy.

Priory Park makes plenty of appeal of the unexposed contingent. He had lots in hand when he won over two and a half miles here at Christmas and could offer even more now up in trip.

Enjoy D’Allen has been well backed on account of the fact that he’s 33lbs lower over hurdles compared to his chase assessment. However, his hurdles form isn’t all that strong, and at a much bigger price, it may be worth taking a chance on Scoir Mear, who looks similarly well treated but who has strong back form over hurdles. He caught the eye behind The Very Man at Navan, making late gains over that two-and-a-half-mile trip so the step up in distance here could suit and he remains potentially well treated off a hurdles mark 20lbs lower than his chase rating.

SELECTION: FUTURUM REGEM

Next best: Scoir Mear

3.50 Paddy Power “I’m Never Going Back To The Office” Handicap Chase (Grade B) 2m 1f 43y

This looks a very soft renewal. Mt Leinster is of obvious interest on just his fourth start over fences but notwithstanding his potential to improve, he doesn’t look especially well handicapped off a mark of 135. Neither does Exit Poll off his mark of 144, but he did run very well off 2lbs lower in a stronger race than this over Christmas, when he found only Grange Walk too good. He also won his beginners’ chase and bumper at the course, and the potentially drier ground is also a plus for him given his first two wins over fences came on good ground in September. He has to reverse form with Grange Walk but is weighted to do so and that horse disappointed on his last start.

A Wave Of The Sea won this race last season off 9lbs lower, and again, that looked a much stronger contest that this one so he makes appeal, despite the fact he has been racing over further recently. He finished second to Ontheropes in the Munster National so he has the ability to deal with his current rating and it won’t be a surprise to see him make his presence felt.

SELECTION: EXIT POLL

Next best: A Wave Of The Sea

4.25 Goffs Future Stars (C&G) INH Flat Race (Grade 2) 2m

The Big Doyen made a serious impression for the second of his two wins at Punchestown but he’ll have to go some to get competitive with Facile Vega after his impressive win over this course and distance on St Stephen’s Day.

This Walk In The Park son of Quevega lived up to his breeding first time out when a comfortable six lengths too good for Joyeux Machin. When you consider that runner-up was ridden by Rob James, significant value for his 7lb claim, it was a serious debut performance by the Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old and Joyeux Machin more or less confirmed that by winning well on his next start at Navan.

Itswhatuniteus is of obvious interest after his win over Killer Mode at Naas but it’s more interesting that Barry O’Neill is riding Sandor Clegane for Paul Nolan, considering he also rode The Big Doyen for Peter Fahey.

He may not have had a choice, but in any case, the former-mentioned was a 15-length winner of his Punchestown bumper and could make his presence felt in this valuable contest.

Embassy Gardens is another to note. He was workmanlike to beat Santonito on his debut here at Christmas but should learn from that experience.

SELECTION: FACILE VEGA

Next best: Sandor Clegane