1.05 Nathaniel Lacy Solicitors “50,000 Cheltenham Bonus For Stable Staff” Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 6f 45y

Bronn: Late-season bumper winner last term and off the mark over hurdles at the first time of asking at Naas (two miles) despite getting into a bumping match with eventual third and subsequent impressive winner Flame Bearer. Takes a big step up in trip and class now but is the choice of Paul Townend from a Willie Mullins trio which is a vote of confidence.

Eric Bloodaxe: Smart bumper horse - beat Ferny Hollow and Wide Receiver - but missed nearly all of last season until coming back to finish fourth to Kilcruit in Punchestown Champion Bumper. Clean bill of health this term and looked smart when too good for subsequent impressive winner Supreme Jet at Naas. No match for Ginto in Navan Grade 2 but much better in the same grade at Limerick, travelling smoothly - on ground his jockey reported he didn’t like - to pull clear of Freedom To Dream. Looks a real threat with first-time tongue-tie also a potential aid.

Freedom To Dream: Second to Appreciate It in a bumper at this track last season and off the mark at the first time of asking when getting the better of Sam’s Choice over an extended two miles and five furlongs. Much touted ahead of Grade 2 bid and mostly lived up to that confidence despite the fact he couldn’t live with the finishing kick of Eric Bloodaxe. More to do now.

Grand Jury: Beat subsequent winner Ardla on his hurdles debut at Punchestown (two miles) and then improved significantly when upped in trip and class, and finding only Ginto too good in Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle. Looks a stayer, so further stamina test should suit, which adds to already decent scope for improvement on his third start over hurdles.

Hollow Games: Unbeaten in two bumpers and first two hurdles starts, notably dealing with slowly run Grade 3 to beat Lunar Display in Navan. Lost unbeaten record in Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle, but stepped up on anything he did before when third to Ginto, possibly unlucky not to finish second. Like Grand Jury, he has plenty of scope to improve and further step up in trip could multiply that.

Minella Cocooner: Disappointing when beaten at long odds-on price on his hurdles debut at Cork (two miles) but made no mistake when upped in trip and smooth winner of second start at Navan, much too good for subsequent winner My Design. Steps up significantly in class now but has the potential to get involved with first-time hood applied.

Minella Crooner: Started off his season with two bumper wins and then promising second to much touted Journey With Me (favourite for this race during the week) in two-and-a-half-mile contest here at Christmas. No mistake when smooth 11-length winner at Punchestown (three miles) just three weeks later, with the runner-up Eye Van, providing a form link to Grade 2 Eric Bloodaxe won at Limerick (finished fourth). Ground no problem here and could well have a say despite significant jump in class.

Whatdeawant: Needed every yard of two-and-a-half-mile trip to break his maiden status at the first time of asking at Navan. Well backed then for Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle, but failed to land a meaningful blow on Ginto and others there. Questionable runner yesterday evening.

Conclusion

This looks more open than the early markets suggest (Hollow Games 9/4 favourite) and it might be worth taking a chance on Eric Bloodaxe, a smooth Grade 2 winner at Limerick, and a horse that has always promised plenty since his bumper days.