1.45 Pro Solar NI Maiden Hurdle 2m 5f 185y
The Willie Mullins-trained Toad Hall looks to have plenty in his favour. Runner-up on his hurdling debut at Punchestown, the form of that race was boosted when the winner followed up in a Grade 3 after.
Having finished second in both career starts to date, the lightly-raced eight-year-old escapes a winners’ penalty. Arabian Diamond, a former Sligo bumper winner, has reached the frame on three of his six runs over flights. However, as a previous winner he has to give 8lb to his rivals.
SELECTION: TOAD HALL
Next best: Arabian Diamond
2.20 Billie And Bertie FitzGerald Memorial Handicap Hurdle 2m 5f 185y
Recent Down Royal winner Cher Tara may be open to further improvement on just her second start for Gordon Elliott. Formerly trained in Britain, the mare stepped forward from a promising stable debut to open her account last time. Although now 8lb higher, the daughter of Kayf Tara could still be ahead of the handicapper.
Top-weight Kalsman has to be a contender having scored over course and distance last time. The locally-trained gelding had run well on a few previous visits to this track so clearly handles the undulations.
SELECTION: CHER TARA
Next best: Kalsman
2.55 Grant Bros Developments Handicap Hurdle 2m 1f 165y
Narrowly denied at Limerick earlier this month, A Mere Bagatelle can gain compensation. A three-time winner who has run with credit on previous outings at this unique venue, the Shark Hanlon-trained gelding holds strong claims.
His usual style of making the running or lying close to the pace often proves fruitful around here. There is little doubt that Read To Return is a well handicapped gelding. However, the Tony Martin-trained eight-year-old has disappointed on a few occasions of late so has something to prove at this stage.
SELECTION: A MERE BAGATELLE
Next best: Read To Return
3.30 Download The Tote App Mares Handicap Hurdle 2m 5f 185y
In-form mare Lilian Bland looks nicely treated at the foot of the weights. A winner over fences at Navan since last seen over flights, she subsequently went on to finish second at Thurles. Now 11lb higher in that latter discipline, the nine-year-old appeals off a mark of 91 on her return to hurdling.
Out For A Stroll takes a significant step up in trip on what is only her second start in handicap company. A lightly-raced filly open to potential improvement, she has to be of interest if proving her stamina.
SELECTION: LILIAN BLAND
Next best: Out For A Stroll
4.05 Randox Ulster National Handicap Chase 3m 4f 120y
Iris Emery could prove to be nicely treated on only her second run outside of novice company. The Willie Mullins-trained mare proved her stamina for a stiff test such as this one when keeping on to finish third at Leopardstown recently. Relatively lightly-raced over fences, the seven-year-old has a couple of bits of form which suggest she has a bit in hand off 120.
Navan winner Dunboyne would be a threat to all if able to replicate that effort. Pulled up on his previous four starts, the 10-year-old looked a reformed character on his first start for Ian Donoghue. He looks just the type to take to this unique undulating track.
SELECTION: IRIS EMERY
Next best: Dunboyne
4.40 Caherty Stables Beginners Chase 2m 3f 100y
Step Out can take this tight knit affair for the local Stuart Crawford stable. A maiden hurdle winner at this track in August of last year, the lightly-raced six-year-old has proven his ability to act around here. Having shaped with a degree of promise on all four starts over fences, the son of Walk In The Park can get his head in front. Tell Nobody Nothin was a beaten favourite on his chasing debut but has to be given another chance. Winner of his maiden hurdle here last September, he went on to finish runner-up when returning the following month.
SELECTION: STEP OUT
Next best: Tell Nobody Nothin
5.15 Boardsmill Sires Maiden Hunters Chase 2m 7f 150y
Recent Thurles runner-up Asphalt Cowboy can go one place better in this finale. A dual point-to-point winner, the Sonny Carey-trained seven-year-old was making his debut over regulation fences. Granted normal improvement from that first foray under rules, the son of Getaway can step forward and open his account on the racecourse.
Cause For Comment, a stablemate of the selection, has to be respected. Owned by Jackie Mullins, the gelding makes his first start for Carey here having finished runner-up on his final start for Willie Mullins at Punchestown last month.
SELECTION: ASPHALT COWBOY
Next best: Cause For Comment