1.30 Byrne Marquees
Maiden Hurdle 2m 1f 40yds
A 74-rated horse on the flat, Chortal ran one of his better races over flights when third at Downpatrick last time. While the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding gave the impression that he would be suited to stepping up in distance, he might get away with the trip in this modest contest. He has plenty of racing experience, which should stand to him against less exposed rivals.
Shaboozee was beaten a long way when fourth at Limerick recently but is entitled to improve from that outing. Having unseated early on at Cork on his introduction, that was effectively his first experience.
SELECTION: CHORTAL
Next best: Shaboozee
2.05 Sean And Margaret McManus Memorial Maiden Hurdle 2m 1f 40yds
Queenie St Clair has every chance of adding to her sole previous win under rules. A flat winner for previous connections at Naas, the mare has been highly tried on a few occasions since switching her attention to hurdling. A reproduction of her sixth place finish at Limerick over Christmas might be good enough to take this weak affair.
Kaptain Bay was pulled up at Fairyhouse on his reappearance, but had hinted at better to come on a few starts last season. It would be no great surprise to see Noel Meade’s charge leave that latest effort well behind.
SELECTION: QUEENIE ST CLAIR
Next best: Kaptain Bay
2.40 Boardsmill Stud
Mares’ Handicap Hurdle
2m 1f 40yds
Topweight First Dare should appreciate this easier task having finished mid-division in a listed handicap hurdle at Naas last time. With the form of that contest having worked out well subsequently, the Liz Doyle-trained seven-year-old should prove difficult to beat. Ross Berry takes off a valuable 7lb, which eases the burden further.
Course and distance winner Mater Matuta may be entering the veteran stages of her career, but the locally-trained nine-year-old can always be relied on to be fit and ready for this particular meeting.
SELECTION: FIRST DARE
Next best: Mater Matuta
3.15 BoyleSports
Supporting Irish Racing Handicap Hurdle
2m 1f 40yds
The Ian Donoghue-trained Imadpour can register a first success over hurdles. Previously a winner on the level for Michael Halford, the five-year-old has looked steadily progressive since joining his current trainer. Following a very creditable third placing at Leopardstown on his penultimate start, the gelding was just denied at Wexford last time.
Next Stop Paris, who was travelling easily before exiting three out at Fairyhouse, disappointed on his latest start. Almost certainly a well-handicapped horse, the better ground he encounters here might be just what he needs.
SELECTION: IMADPOUR
Next best: Next Stop Paris
3.50 Bellewstown Handicap Hurdle 2m 4f 110yds
Having shaped with plenty of encouragement at Limerick last time, Bal Kauto can get back to winning ways.
A three-time scorer in the summer of 2023, the Declan Queally-trained gelding was off the track for 630 days subsequently. A faller on his reappearance at Gowran in March, he showed last time that he retains plenty of his old ability.
Newport has yet to reach the frame over jumps for current connections, but showed enough in a light flat campaign to suggest that he should be capable of winning at least an ordinary bottom grade handicap over hurdles.
SELECTION: BAL KAUTO
Next best: Newport
4.25 Yellow Sam 50th
Anniversary (Q.R.)
Handicap Hurdle 3m 25yds
Despite his heavy impost, the Gavin Cromwell-trained Aspurofthemoment can complete his hat-trick. A point-to-point winner at Dromahane on his final start for previous connections, the gelding reverted to rules to land a handicap hurdle at Gowran Park last time. Although hit with an 11lb hike, his capable rider takes 7lb off here. Pebble Bleu, who is rated 10lb higher over fences, has to be of interest back over flights. Fourth at Thurles on her most recent outing over the smaller obstacles, she has the ability to get competitive here.
SELECTION: ASPUROFTHEMOMENT
Next best: Pebble Bleu
5.00 Pat And Eddie Smith Memorial (Pro/Am) Flat Race 2m 1f 40yds
Navan third Coyote Spirit can get off the mark on only his second run for Gordon Elliott. Runner-up at the same venue on his final outing for previous connections, the gelding bumped into a couple of smart types on his latest outing. The second-placed horse went on to win next time, while the winner finished in mid-division at Cheltenham.
Sunset Boulevard, who was weak in the market prior to his debut at Thurles, is not one to dismiss. If the money arrives for him on this occasion then he has to be of serious interest.
SELECTION: COYOTE SPIRIT
Next best: Sunset Boulevard