2.10 Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f

Churchstonewarrior: Second-season novice hurdler put up two nice performances to win at Sligo and Thurles before held by Nell’s Well in Cork Grade 3. All that form has come over at least two miles and seven furlongs so it’s hard to envisage him having a say back at this trip and with this rise in class.

Ginto: This €470,000 purchase has built on decent bumper performances last season with two wins from two runs over hurdles, most notably running out an 11-length winner over subsequent winners Eric Bloodaxe (Grade 2 at Limerick this week) and Mr Fred Rogers in a Navan Grade 2. Very promising now and the softer ground here will be in his favour as well.

Grand Jury: Represents last year’s winning connections and there’s plenty to like about his Punchestown maiden hurdle win over Ardla, who boosted that form by winning his maiden hurdle at Navan next time out. He took a while to get on top that day, eventually outstaying the Halford runner, so this step up in trip ought to suit and he is very much respected despite his relative inexperience.

Hollow Games: Four form four and looked a smart sort when picking up well off a steady to pace to win the Grade 3 Monksfield at Navan in November. The form of that contest doesn’t look as strong as Ginto’s Grade 2 and he will have to race a lot faster today, but he has lots of potential and a stronger pace could easily allow him to perform better.

The Little Yank: Well held off a mark of 125 in handicap on his latest start and by Ginto on his penultimate one. Up against it, but his presence in this small field could be important from a pace angle.

Whatdeawant: Beat Ginto in a Fairyhouse bumper last January before finishing third to Kilcruit in hard-run Grade 2 bumper at the Dublin Racing Festival. Very pleasing start over hurdles when coming from well off the pace to collar Harald Hardrad in a two-and-a-half-mile maiden hurdle at Navan. Interestingly, that race was on the same card Ginto won his Grade 2, and was actually run in a faster time. Ultimate respect for this six-year-old considering he is the chosen one for this Grade 1 from the Willie Mullins yard that has hit top form.

Angels Dawn: Making a quick reappearance after his third to Eric Bloodaxe in Grade 2 two-mile-seven-furlong contest at Limerick on Monday. That was a good run, in line with all his efforts over hurdles so far - no wins but decent efforts to be placed. He has to improve significantly though and may well feel the effects of his hard effort at Limerick when it comes to the business end.

Conclusion

Perhaps one of Ginto or Hollow Games will be scratched from this considering the represent the same owner and trainer but it’s a logical target for both and whatever happens, this race is very likely to be informative. Whatdeawant gets a tentative vote after he powered home to win his maiden hurdle at Navan. The softer ground he’ll encounter here will suit him over this trip and he can continue a golden period for Willie Mullins.