1.55 Donohoe Marquees Maiden Hurdle 2m 4f

Harald Hardrad is put forward on the basis that he is better than he showed last time. On that occasion he could only manage fourth when favourite for a Naas maiden hurdle won by Meet And Greet.

However, that was his first run for two months and he is better judged on the form that saw him win a Clonmel bumper in November before chasing home the smart Whatdeawant in a maiden hurdle at Navan the following month.

Ballykeel made a solid racecourse debut when fifth to The Nice Guy in a 2m 3f maiden at Naas in January. He can improve for that run and looks more than capable of playing a part in the finish.

SELECTION: HARALD HARDRAD

Next Best: Ballykeel

2.30 Anton O’Toole Hurdle 2m 2f 61yds

It is over four years since Whiskey Sour last won a race but he still retains a fair level of ability. He comes here off a decent third to Darasso in a 2m Grade 3 at Naas in late January and prior to that he showed up well in a quality handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse. A repeat of either run could suffice.

Wouldn’t You Agree faded badly in the closing stages of a Grade A handicap here last month, eventually pulling up behind Call Me Lyreen. He is much better than that though and he was a force in good handicaps earlier in the season.

On his third to Dysart Diamond at Listowel in September, he would come into the reckoning.

SELECTION: WHISKEY SOUR

Next Best: Wouldn’t You Agree

3.05 TRM Equine Nutrition Mares Maiden Hurdle 2m 4f

Hollymount is a hopeful choice. She was beaten 8l by Braganza in a Thurles maiden hurdle when last seen just over 100 days ago, but even that run would entitle her to respect here and prior to that she finished a close third to Lighthouse Lady in a maiden at Thurles in October. She looks capable of winning a mares’ maiden and possibly a step up in trip on decent ground will bring out the best in her.

Vibrance might be another who will appreciate the ground and she warrants respect on the basis of her jumping debut at Naas a few months ago where she finished a respectable fourth to Brandy Love. She didn’t match that form next time but is entitled to another chance.

SELECTION: HOLLYMOUNT

Next Best: Vibrance

3.40 Leopardstown Members Mares Handicap Hurdle 2m 4f

The reliable Paddy Wickla gets the vote. She has been holding her form very well since landing a 2m 4f handicap hurdle on good ground at Clonmel in September and her efforts since then would suggest another success can come her way.

She wasn’t at her best when beaten 14l into third by Must Be Obeyed at Punchestown two months ago and is better judged on her neck second to Shantou Lucky at that track in early December.

Indie Belle’s defeat of Wild Hunt at Punchestown last week reads well and she is only 6lbs higher. She might just be vulnerable on this much quicker ground though.

SELECTION: PADDY WICKLA

Next Best: Indie Belle

4.15 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Rated Novice Chase 2m 1f

Fighting Fit makes plenty of appeal. He won a handicap chase over 2m at Naas in early January when he looked to have a good deal more to spare than the winning margin of 3l over Alice Avril would suggest. He looks as though he could be a gelding on the up, and a race of this nature should be within his reach.

A likely threat is Bythesametoken who has taken well to fences. He was second to No Where Or When in a rated event at Fairyhouse two months ago before defeating Delvino in a similar event at Down Royal 10 days later. He represents a very solid alternative to the selection.

SELECTION: FIGHTING FIT

Next Best: Bythesametoken

4.50 TRI Equestrian Handicap Chase (Grade B) 2m 5f 97yds

A series of solid handicap runs would point to Winter Escape’s chances. He was an excellent third to Birchdale in the Leopardstown chase on his most recent outing while another good effort was a third to Conflated at Navan in early December.

He is in the twilight of his career but evidently retains a good level of ability and his rider’s 7lbs claim will aid his cause.

The top-weight Max Flamingo exited the Leopardstown Chase too far out to know what might have happened. He has good form to his name though, will like the ground and won a maiden hurdle at this meeting last year. He should run well despite having to give weight all round.

Rightplacerightime is very interesting but does have to bounce back from a disappointing showing at Carlisle on Monday.

SELECTION: WINTER ESCAPE

Next Best: Max Flamingo

5.20 TRI Equestrian Superstore & Cafe (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race 2m

The Four Sixes is put forward in a race where all are newcomers. He represents a powerful axis in the bumper sphere and his trainer has already sent out an impressive four-year-old winner in recent weeks in Imagine, while his other representatives in this age category this year have run with credit.

The Four Sixes is a half-brother to several capable types including two bumper winners. His rivals are headed by Joshua Des Flos who is a half-brother to the top-class Balko Des Flos.

Another runner of note is Laser Focus, a son of Sea The Stars from a high-class Niarchos family.

SELECTION: THE FOUR SIXES

Next Best: Joshua Des Flos