12.30 Jim Ryan Racecourse Services Rated Novice Hurdle 2m 100yds

Itswhatunitesus looked smart when winning his maiden at Cork recently, making all and finding plenty when challenged.

Although lacking the hurdling experience of a few of these, the Gordon Elliott trained gelding is thoroughly unexposed and has the potential to be decent. He may not get things all his own way in front on this occasion but showed when winning his bumper that he doesn’t have to lead.

Invictus Machin was very impressive when making a winning racecourse debut at Down Royal last month. This is a big step up in grade but Gavin Cromwell clearly feels he is capable of bridging the class gap.

SELECTION: ITSWHATUNITESUS

Next best: Invictus Machin

1.00 Old House, Kill Handicap Hurdle 2m 7f 100yds

Time Marches On should appreciate this lesser task, having run well in a stronger race at Punchestown recently.

The six-year-old raced off a mark of 118 in that Pertemps Qualifier but now competes off 114, with Kieren Buckley claiming an additional 5lb. Prior to that run, the Scorpion gelding had finished second in a decent contest at Clonmel.

Rebellious Gale gives the impression of a horse that needs to be delivered as late as possible off a fast pace.

He may have found the Navan hill too taxing last time, so has to be of interest back on a flatter track such as this.

SELECTION: TIME MARCHES ON

Next Best: Rebellious Gale

1.30 William Hill Mares Novice Hurdle (Listed) 2m 3f 80yds

Bella Scintilla made a winning Irish debut when scoring on her first start for Joseph O’Brien at Killarney. She arguably ran above herself when a close third behind two leading four-year-old hurdlers at Cheltenham subsequently but given she received weight, that could well have been her true running. A reproduction would certainly be good enough here.

Deeply Superficial had a huge reputation from the point-to-point field before making her hurdling debut at Galway in October. The daughter of Flemensfirth certainly didn’t disappoint on that occasion, making an impressive start to her career under rules. The Gordon Elliott-trained mare rates a live threat.

SELECTION: BELLA SCINTILLA

Next best: Deeply Superficial

2.35 William Hill Beginners Chase 2m

Appreciate It who has the potential to make up into a leading Arkle contender this season, will be expected to land this with the minimum of fuss.

The 2021 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner only managed to race once last year but certainly wasn’t disgraced when finishing seventh in the Champion Hurdle. Granted a smoother preparation this time, he looks a leading Cheltenham candidate.

Highland Charge looks the one most likely to spoil the party should the favourite fail to perform. A Grade 3 winner over hurdles last season, the Noel Meade-trained seven-year-old has scope for further improvement this term.

SELECTION: APPRECIATE IT

Next best: Highland Charge

3.05 John Ross Memorial Handicap Chase 3m 170yds

Fameaftertheglory should be open to improvement now tackling this trip for the first time over fences.

The former point-to-point winner appreciated a test of stamina over hurdles, running some of his better races when upped in distance. Off a 6lb lower mark, he looks nicely handicapped in this sphere and should be capable of a big run.

It Could Be You finished second over hurdles at this track in October before going on to run well in three subsequent starts over fences. The eight-year-old is another that should relish a real test.

SELECTION: FAMEAFTERTHEGLORY

Next best: It Could Be You

3.35 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction (Pro/Am) Flat Race 2m 100yds

Blizzard Of Oz should take beating in this finale, having finished second in a listed bumper on his racecourse debut. The gelding was subsequently bought by connections of the winner; a clear indication of how strong they regard that form.

With potential for further improvement on his first start for the champion trainer, the Arctic Cosmos gelding looks the clear pick.

Mel Monroe was a beaten favourite on her rules debut at Galway but the former point-to-point winner ran a solid race in second place.

The Gordon Elliott trained filly is sure to have learned from that initial experience, so has to be a danger.

SELECTION: BLIZZARD OF OZ

Next best: Mel Monroe