John O’Riordan

12.45 GALTEE 3-Y-0 MAIDEN HURDLE 2M

Azua Emery goes on a recovery mission here having disappointed those who supported her into a short price on her stable debut. The filly had finished second on her only start in France so had been expected to prove too strong for a moderate field at Ballinrobe. In hindsight it probably wasn’t a bad run so she is given the verdict to go one better now.

Vision D’Ete also arrives here on the back of a second place finish, achieved at Down Royal in September. Before that he had shown ability when a staying-on fourth at this track on his hurdling debut.

A reproduction of either effort should see him involved in the closing stages.

Selection: AZUA EMERY

Next best: Vision D’Ete

1.15 CHARLEVILLE CHEESE MAIDEN HURDLE 2M

Athenean won a three-runner Punchestown bumper on his stable debut but it is difficult to evaluate that form. However, he stepped up considerably to finish a close third in a maiden hurdle at that same track last time. With that experience under his belt, he looks certain to play a prominent role once again and he has form on testing ground.

Hot Beat was rated 94 on the level so should make into a nice hurdler in time. The one big concern is the fact he has never really shown a great deal on soft ground. It would be dangerous to ignore his claims on his debut for Willie Mullins but he may do better given time.

Selection: ATHENEAN

Next best: Hot Beat

1.50 KERRY GROUP STAYERS NOVICE HURDLE (GRADE 3) 3M

Monkshood is a speculative suggestion to win a fascinating contest. Gordon Elliott’s charge has won his last three starts and although yet to tackle this trip, his trainer has already said that he is crying out for a stamina test. He faces stiff opposition now but appears to be on the upgrade and can dent some other big reputations here.

Moyross commands plenty of respect as a course and distance winner who has also been successful at the trip in point-to-point company. He is at home on extremely testing ground so will appreciate a real slog more than most.

Selection: MONKSHOOD

Next best: Moyross

2.20 KERRY GROUP HILLY WAY CHASE (GRADE 2) 2M

Un De Sceaux is the star attraction on the card, as he bids to make a winning seasonal debut. Winner of the Ryanair Chase at this year’s Cheltenham Festival, he drops back to the trip at which he was successful in the 2015 Arkle Chase. He will most likely make the running here and the shorter distance should suit on his comeback run. It will certainly be a shock should he fail to send his supporters home smiling.

Ball D’Arc did well in similar small field conditions chases this season and should be involved in the battle for minor honours. The six-year-old remains open to improvement in the coming months and probably has more scope than any of the others.

Selection: UN DE SCEAUX

Next best: Ball D’Arc

2.50 KERRY GROUP IRISH EBF MARES NOVICE CHASE (GRADE 3) 2M

Shattered Love should be good enough to give weight away to her rivals in this tight affair. The six-year-old was easily the best of them over hurdles and made a very encouraging start to her chasing career, winning her first two starts. Not disgraced behind stablemate Jury Duty in a Grade 2 contest last time, she faces an easier task now and should take advantage of a nice opportunity.

Billy’s Hope rates a serious threat, having got off the mark on her fourth attempt over fences last time. The manner of that Thurles win was impressive so she cannot be underestimated despite needing to improve slightly.

Selection: SHATTERED LOVE

Next best: Billy’s Hope

3.20 LOW LOW HANDICAP HURDLE 2M

Broder, a course and distance winner, is difficult to get away from. The locally trained runner landed a tidy gamble at Thurles last month and arrives here in great form. Despite the handicapper having his say following that latter win, connections have offset some of that hike with very capable claimer Ambrose McCurtin.

Champagne Pat is a lightly raced handicapper who looks to be progressing with each start over flights. Placed on his last two runs, he looks set to play a leading role once again. It would be no surprise to see him find the necessary improvement to get his head in front.

Selection: BRODER

Next best: Champagne Pat

3.50 KERRYMAID NOVICE HANDICAP HURDLE 2M 4F

Brosna George can take the finale, having run a race full of promise on his seasonal return. Ross O’Sullivan’s runner was expected to need the outing at Fairyhouse last month but he stayed on in determined fashion to take second spot. He looks certain to come on from that outing and the longer run-in will be more in his favour.

Shar Whats Therush landed a gamble at Fairyhouse recently and could still be ahead of the handicapper. He beat a solid yardstick on that occasion so is greatly feared in his bid to make it back-to-back victories.

SELECTION: BROSNA GEORGE

Next best: Shar Whats Therush