2.10 Concept Colours Rated Novice Chase 2m

Release The Beast shaped like there was more to come when winning his second start over fences on St Stephen’s Day, when scoring by six lengths, with another 10 lengths back to the third.

Springt De La Mare also looks a natural chaser, but the way he finished suggested that his chances would be even stronger over further.

The form of Fascile Mode’s winning chase debut over course and distance has worked out well, but he himself has been disappointing since, including in a similar contest to this.

SELECTION: RELEASE THE BEAST

Next best: Springt De La Mare

2.40 QuinnBet Beginners Chase 2m 6f 150y

High Class Hero looks an obvious choice off the back of his promising start over fences here at the end of December. Given that it was his first start since finishing second in a Grade 1 at the Punchestown Festival, he should come on plenty from the run.

Loughglynn finished 10 lengths behind him that day, and though he finished closer next time out, it’s hard to see him troubling High Class Hero today.

Finishing second to Champ Kiely on chase debut should put Chigorin in the mix, but he was well-beaten that day and made no impression next time out.

SELECTION: HIGH CLASS HERO

Next best: Loughglynn

3.10 QuinnBet Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Listed) 3m 3f

This €100,000 prize has attracted an acceptable field in terms of numbers, with 16 declared, but few come with strong chances. There is plenty of Thyestes form on offer, but many gave cause for alarm with poor efforts, as opposed to inspirational performances.

Velvet Elvis is an exception, but his 5lb rise, lack of a 5lb claimer, and the mark that a test on soft-to-heavy ground may have left, add caution to optimism. Favori De Champdou was next behind him that day, albeit by 13 lengths, and it’s hard to imagine him getting close enough to reverse the placings here.

Today’s competition looks much stiffer for Cork National winner Sphagnum, who would also prefer drier ground, but he’s a more reliable type than most of the field.

SELECTION: VELVET ELVIS

Next best: Sphagnum

3.40 Madigan Group Irish EBF Sheila Bourke Novice Hurdle (Listed) 1m 7f 211y

C’Est Ta Chance was perhaps flattered by the margin in which he was beaten last time out, the winner having sprawled after the last, but his performance still held plenty of merit, especially since the fourth horse went on to finish a close second in a Grade 3 next time out.

Taponthego separated them that day, and additionally beat Dublin Racing Festival scorer McLaurey earlier in the season.

William Munny has indirectly benefitted from results at Leopardstown, having chased home Kawaboomga after her defeat to Kopek Des Bordes. However, that earlier run isn’t a direct comparison given that the Supreme favourite’s jumping was worlds apart on his two starts over hurdles.

Disco Dancer brings the most experience and comes off a fine effort against her own sex at Leopardstown. The Great Nudie is less exposed, but looks a mare on the up after making all to a seven-length win here last month. Today’s shorter trip is a concern, though.

SELECTION: C’EST TA CHANCE

Next best: Taponthego

4.10 Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort Maiden Hurdle 2m 3f 30y

Plenty of runners, but little inspiration. Dr Eggman was consistent, if only once successful in the past, so should be in the mix if returning fit from a 10-month absence. Willie Mullins’ other runner, Last Kingdom, has been well-supported on his two starts in Ireland, but the French bumper winner has disappointed on both occasions.

Hello Jack hasn’t been without promise, placing behind two smart horses, and today’s field looks less competitive. Stablemate Presenting Georgie is one to consider to debut, as her sire Order Of St George has made a smart start with his first runners

Youlita made a promising rules debut in a Fairyhouse bumper, having previously won a point-to-point maiden, and is worth a market check on his first start over hurdles for his new yard.

SELECTION: DR EGGMAN

Next best: Hello Jack

4.40 David Trundley Artist At Punchestown Novice Handicap Hurdle 2m 6f 211y

Prophet’s Corner’s opening mark appears workable based on the promise he’s shown. Those concerned he may not stay the trip considering he faded somewhat last time out should note his overgirth snapped during that race.

Duffys Hodey may also still be on the right side of the handicap, despite winning three of his last four starts. He went up 8lb for his seven-length win last time out, but did it in comfortable fashion, and may be open to further improvement over this trip.

Portnacoo’s hat-trick came on drier ground, so he may be best watched over the winter. A first-time application of blinkers saw I Ballyadam Moon produce a career-best effort under rules last month, but his jumping needs to improve.

SELECTION: PROPHET’S CORNER

Next best: Duffys Hodey

5.10 Watch Every Race Live From Punchestown On Racing TV (Pro/Am) Flat Race 1m 7f 211y

Casterly Rock caught the eye on debut at Fairyhouse, but it didn’t look the strongest of bumpers. The same could be said about the four-year-old maiden won by Cosmos D’Ainay on his fourth career start, though he did sell for £165,000 after that.

Gameofinches’ point-to-point win reads as stronger form, having justified even-money favouritism by nine lengths at Dromahane. The €80,000 yearling had looked a potential winner on debut, but fell at the final fence.

Do Brazil is worth considering, given that he was well-backed on debut in September. He disappointed that day, but must have shown enough at home to warrant such support.

Flemensfirth gelding Begorra Man enters the equation on pedigree alone, as well as his promising debut behind Kopek Des Bordes at Leopardstown over Christmas.

SELECTION: GAMEOFINCHES

Next best: Cosmos D’Ainay