2.30 FLOGAS NOVICE

CHASE (GRADE 1)

2M 5F

Blair Perrone: Has been steadily improving over fences, most recently when almost capitalising on the last-fence mishap of Killultagh Vic in Grade 2 company at this track, but will have to prove his stamina at this longer distance.

McKinley: Something of an enigma, he won a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Naas last season, but never threatened to reproduce that subsequently. He got off the mark over fences in fair style at Fairyhouse last time, but will need to improve to get involved in this much stronger company.

Monksland: A 152-rated hurdler, he beat Roi Des Francs in a maiden chase at Gowran Park before finishing a good second to No More Heroes in the Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse. His connections feel he got bogged down in the ground behind the same rival at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting and this less testing surface could well help him.

Outlander: A Grade 2-winning novice hurdler last season, he has won both his starts over fences in fair style this season, including a Grade 2 contest at Limerick last time. Entitled to improve again and is a leading contender.

Pont Alexandre: A lightly-raced but talented sort, he returned from an absence of over two-and-a-half years to make an impressive winning chasing debut at Punchestown but was beaten fair and square by Roi Des Francs in Grade 2 company at Naas last time. This shorter trip could help but has a bit to prove now.

Zabana: Progressed into a 155-rated hurdler last season and made an impressive winning chasing debut at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting, readily seeing off Blair Perrone having jumped impressively. This is a big step up in class, but he could well be up to it and is a serious contender.