4.53 Lennon Solar Novice Hurdle 2m 1f 40y
The locally-trained Charming Star has strong claims of following up his Navan win from March. Just about the best of these on the flat, the Tom McCourt-trained gelding had shown promise on his hurdling debut at Naas before winning next time. A lightly-raced type, he has scope for further improvement.
Aside from an excusable effort when the saddle slipped at Gowran Park in September, St Faz has done little wrong since switching to hurdling. Edward O’Grady’s Killarney winner should again be involved.
SELECTION: CHARMING STAR
Next best: St Faz
5.28 Grimme Ireland Maiden Hurdle 2m 1f 40y
Despite having something to prove after failing to complete on his two most recent starts, it could pay to give Intense Approach another chance. John McConnell’s dual bumper winner was an impressive winner in that discipline at this meeting 12 months ago. Although yet to reach those heights over hurdles, the five-year-old has time on his side.
Where’s My Jet, a Tramore bumper winner on his stable debut for Willie Mullins, has to be given maximum respect. Runner-up in a point-to-point for previous connections, the son of Jet Away should know his job on this first outing over hurdles.
SELECTION: INTENSE APPROACH
Next best: Where’s My Jet
5.58 Bia Energy Bellewstown Handicap Hurdle 2m 1f 40y
Although yet to exploit what appears a rather favourable mark over flights, the Emmet Mullins-trained So Scottish has hinted on a couple of occasions that he is capable of doing so. Just touched off at Killarney in May, the seven-year-old indicated his turn was near when fourth at Listowel on his most recent outing.
Alvaniy should find this assignment easier having contested stronger races of late. Still relatively lightly-raced for Willie Mullins, the six-year-old can deliver on the promise he showed for previous connections.
SELECTION: SO SCOTTISH
Next best: Alvaniy
6.30 Phil & Patsy Kierans Memorial Mares Maiden Hurdle 2m 4f 110y
The Gordon Elliott-trained Wudya can gain a first success on what is just the fourth start of her career. A half-sister to a Grade 2 horse, the five-year-old finished second on her hurdling debut at Killarney in May, before taking third at Tramore subsequently. That experience should stand to her now.
Slim Marvel has been very consistent since switching to hurdling, reaching the frame on each of her last three runs. Although probably vulnerable to an above average mare, the Andrew Slattery-trained six-year-old should get her turn.
SELECTION: WUDYA
Next best: Slim Marvel
7.00 Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle(Div l) 2m 4f 110y
On My Bike, a winner at Punchestown in May, might be able to resume his progression. Although beaten on two subsequent starts, the Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old is proven at this track having run well here in similar company last year. With Paddy O’Brien taking 4lb off, the gelding is only 3lb above his winning mark.
Cape Bridgewater, a one-time smart flat horse, has to be of interest on his handicap debut. Given three quick runs in succession, the Gerard O’Leary-trained four-year-old could be leniently treated off a mark of 102 here.
SELECTION: ON MY BIKE
Next best: Cape Bridgewater
7.30 Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle(Div ll) 2m 4f 110y
Stepping up to this trip on just his second run in a handicap should see the Denis Hogan-trained Riyami take beating. A three-time winner over two miles on the all-weather, the five-year-old found that distance too sharp when runner-up at Kilbeggan on his latest start. With an additional half-mile to race here, the Fastnet Rock gelding looks to have plenty to recommend.
Course and distance winner Inforapenny kept on strongly last time when runner-up over fences at Clonmel. Mark Fahey’s eight-year-old looks to be coming to hand at just the right time. He looks to hold solid claims under the experienced Aidan Kelly.
SELECTION: RIYAMI
Next best: Inforapenny
8.00 QuinnBet Handicap Hurdle 3m 116y
Como Park, a 90-rated horse on the flat, holds leading claims for trainer Henry de Bromhead. The son of Camelot has improved each time he has been raised in distance, so there could easily be more to come now that he tackles three miles for the first time.
A winner here over two miles and one furlong back in April, Club Manager backed that up with a big run at the Punchestown Festival subsequently. However, having let his supporters down on his last two starts, the Gavin Cromwell-trained four-year-old is on something of a recovery mission now.
SELECTION: COMO PARK
Next best: Club Manager
8.30 J.H. McLoughlin Oil INH Flat Race 2m 1f 40y
The Passing Wife should prove hard to beat in this finale having shown plenty in her short career to date. A winner at Punchestown in November, the Gavin Cromwell-trained mare ran even better at Fairyhouse in April when runner-up to a subsequent Grade 1 winner. The daughter of Passing Glance sets a fair standard to aim at.
Patrick Mullins is a notable booking on the John McConnell-trained Jackson Lamb. The gelded son of El Salvador was an impressive winner of his bumper at Downpatrick last time.
SELECTION: THE PASSING WIFE
Next best: Jackson Lamb