1.55 Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f

Butch Cassidy: Looked a promising type when winning on his bumper bow at Ballinrobe for Philip Fenton and, on his first start in a Punchestown maiden hurdle for Henry de Bromhead, confirmed that potential by outmuscling Goffs Defender Bumper winner Sermandzarak (found to have coughed after a disappointing run at Christmas). Today’s rival Shuffle The Deck was a further five lengths behind in third, though looked a likely improver. Lots to like about this unexposed five-year-old’s attitude. He should be a strong stayer at the trip.

Jasmin De Vaux: Last season’s Champion Bumper winner didn’t blow everyone away when winning a Navan maiden hurdle last month, not always slick over his hurdles. However, the form has been working out exquisitely since. Runner-up The Enabler and third-placed Workahead both won maiden hurdles at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival. The step up in trip from two miles looks ideal.

Plontier: Globetrotting nine-year-old won 14 flat races on the continent - including in Poland, France and Spain - before joining Willie Mullins and landing a Sligo maiden hurdle in August. Fourth, beaten nine and a quarter lengths, in a tactical Royal Bond at Fairyhouse last month, though he did look more of a force in that race than the final result suggests. Still, has work to do to play a leading role in this company.

Shuffle The Deck: Highly thought of by connections, winning a point-to-point on debut for Derek O’Connor last spring before switching to Ted Walsh. Pleasing rules debut third behind Butch Cassidy at Punchestown in November (made a mistake at unhelpful time three flights from home but probably wouldn’t have beaten today’s rival anyway). However, he stepped up nicely when proving a decisive winner of a maiden hurdle here 20 days ago. Runner-up Eastern Legend has since finished third, beaten just over 13 lengths, in a Leopardstown Grade 1 won by Romeo Coolio.

Spasiba: Took advantage of good opportunity in a maiden hurdle here in November as 1/2 favourite. The runner-up from that contest has won well in a low-key Thurles maiden hurdle since before being beaten a short-head in listed mares’ novice company. Unexposed over hurdles and only a six-year-old but more required at this level.

Supersundae: Half-brother to triple Grade 1 winner Supasundae certainly didn’t disgrace himself when beaten 10 and half lengths in last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on his stable debut (an unorthodox move from connections to run him there). Took full advantage of dropping in class to win a maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe in May and now returns from 243 days off. Not a shock to see him show up well in a race where the outsider of the stable’s four runners won last year.

The Yellow Clay: Smart bumper performer is the most experienced hurdler in the field, having won his first three starts over flights. Finished 12 lengths behind Jasmin De Vaux in last year’s Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, though he ran to a higher level in runs either side of that appearance. Made heavy enough weather of it as 4/11 favourite in a Navan Grade 2 last time and will need to be better than that here. However, plenty to like about his profile overall for the same connections who won this with Ginto in 2022.

Wingmen: Has a big engine but hasn’t always managed to show it, not helped by jumping right on his hurdling debut at Navan in November while still coming home in front. Didn’t jump slick enough since over two miles and a furlong at Cheltenham behind an easy winner, who disappointed in Grade 1 company at Aintree over Christmas. Probably more of a chasing type in time, but has the talent to be involved if putting it all together.

For all that he’ll need to brush up his jumping, and the stable’s form has been a little in and out over the past week, Jasmin De Vaux’s Navan form has been working out a treat and the Champion Bumper winner is difficult to oppose. Butch Cassidy and Shuffle The Deck are novices full of promise but the experience gained by the likes of the selection and The Yellow Clay in bumpers looks an advantage over such lightly raced rivals. Supersundae has the potential to run well at a big each-way price.