5.00 Racing Again Summer Evening Racing August 23rd Maiden Hurdle 2m

A three-time winner on the flat in Norway, the Willie Mullins-trained Crack The Sky can register a first Irish success. Placed on both of her previous hurdling starts on testing winter ground, the mare should appreciate the sounder surface she encounters here. A tight track such as this is also likely to suit the five-year-old.

Point-to-point winner Clonshire River has a rather in-and-out profile since switching to racing under rules. However, on the best of that form, the seven-year-old Pour Moi gelding would hold very strong claims.

SELECTION: CRACK THE SKY

Next Best: Clonshire River

5.30 Smiddy’s Pub Mullingar Handicap Hurdle 2m

Given the ease with which he won at Cork last time, it is doubtful whether a 10lb rise will be enough to stop Slieve Bearnagh. Seeking a hat-trick, after also winning on his previous start at Tramore, the seven-year-old is difficult to oppose in his current form. Josh Halford, who was on board for his latest two runs, is good value for his claim.

Dual Dundalk winner Rhythm And Tyne is well handicapped if able to transfer that form to jumps. Despite showing little in four starts over flights to date, the Charles Byrnes-trained gelding is in the right hands to exploit that rating at some point.

SELECTION: SLIEVE BEARNAGH

Next Best: Rhythm And Tyne

6.00 BetXS Staffless Betting Shops Maiden Hurdle 2m 3f

Unbeaten in bumpers, Four Clean Aces only narrowly failed to open her account over flights when finishing runner-up over course and distance last month. With the front two pulling six lengths clear of the third, that form is almost certainly good enough to win a race of this nature.

The Gavin Cromwell-trained Tonaghneave Well won his bumper at this track in June before going down by under a length on his hurdling debut back here last month. With only the sole previous outing over flights, the four-year-old probably has more scope for improvement than the majority of this rivals in this contest.

SELECTION: FOUR CLEAN ACES

Next Best: Tonaghneave Well

6.30 Joe Cooney Memorial Hurdle 3m 1f

Run For Oscar looks to have been found an ideal opportunity to register a first success since easily landing the Newmarket Cesarewitch in 2022.

Having held his own in much stronger company under both codes in the last two years, the Charles Byrnes-trained gelding should appreciate this much easier assignment.

A former Grade 1 winner, Mr Adjudicator would have been entitled to need a recent run on the flat at Galway having been off 581 days. If that outing has served its purpose, the Willie Mullins-trained 10-year-old could prove to be a dangerous opponent despite his advancing years.

SELECTION: RUN FOR OSCAR

Next Best: Mr Adjudicator

7.00 Kieran Kelly Memorial Handicap Chase 3m 190yds

A winner here over hurdles last month, Ceanndana can revert to fences to complete a hat-trick.

The Ross O’Sullivan-trained gelding had won over fences at Tramore on his previous start, so is versatile under both codes. Still rated 4lb below his hurdling mark, the seven-year-old should prove hard to beat around a track he clearly enjoys.

Game And Glory was pulled up last time but is worth another chance now in first-time blinkers. Philip Rothwell’s mare is also well treated over fences and shaped with definite promise when runner-up on her previous start.

SELECTION: CEANNDANA

Next Best: Game And Glory

7.30 SwissMPC Medical Device And Pharmaceutical Consulting Handicap Chase 2m 4f 38yds

Runner-up in a listed handicap chase at Cork in October, The Dara Man would be a serious contender if ready after an absence. The John Ryan-trained nine-year-old went close at this track last June, so should have no issues with either course or distance. Having run well after a break in the past, the gelding appears to hold leading claims.

Course and distance winner A Wave Of The Sea made little impact on six runs in Britain but now returns to these shores off a 20lb lower mark. It would be a mistake to underestimate the veteran chaser if a change of scenery has worked the oracle.

SELECTION: THE DARA MAN

Next Best: A Wave Of The Sea

8.00 Midland Veterinary (Tullamore, Portarlington, Edenderry) INH Flat Race 2m

Live Aid, a half-brother to two blacktype horses on the flat, catches the eye on his racecourse debut. Given his connections, it could be significant that he bypassed the Galway festival to wait for this easier contest. John Gleeson looks a significant booking on the four-year-old son of Rock Of Gibraltar. Any market confidence should be noted.

Point-to-point winner Marcus Furius is an interesting contender on his debut for Paul Nolan. Although the bare form of his win between the flags hasn’t been well advertised subsequently, the gelding couldn’t have won any easier.

SELECTION: LIVE AID

Next Best: Marcus Furius