12.42 BetVictor Irish EBF Novice Chase 2m

Willie Mullins often targets his best Arkle hope at this contest and he’s going for his fifth win in a row here, so the much touted Mister Policeman is clearly a noteworthy declaration. That said, although he won on his chase debut at Fairyhouse, he was ultimately disappointing, when driven hard to get the better of stablemate Feu De Brasil, who was a no show in a beginners chase at Leopardstown over Christmas. Mister Policeman may well strip a different proposition but the jury is out for now and Sa Fureur appeals as one to take him on with. Gordon Elliott’s horse was fortunate to win at Fairyhouse on his second chase start when Hunter’s Yarn came down at the last, but either way he was running a nice race, and he came all of 40 lengths clear of Byker, who opposes again here. He won three times as a novice hurdler last season and looks set to be at least as good over fences, and he also handles soft ground fine.

SELECTION: SA FUREUR

Next best: Mister Policeman

1.12 Race And Stay Handicap Chase 2m

Union Park can add another win to his CV here and may be underrated to do it. He represents the ever in-form Philip Rothwell team and comes into this having won two of his last three, the latest over hurdles at Cork. Prior to that he was fifth, beaten just under nine lengths by Typical Thomas, in a listed handicap chase, and that effort deserved marking up as he made his ground from the back of the pack, in what appeared to be a slowly run contest. He is proven on heavy ground and over this trip, so he has plenty going for him again.

Snake Oil makes appeal as well, coming into this off a good third to The Folkes Tiara at Leopardstown. He is unproven on ground this soft, but he stayed on really well there, on what was only his fourth chase start. If he can handle this softer ground, he will be a big player.

SELECTION: UNION PARK

Next best: Snake Oil

2.12 Matt Britton Irish EBF Maiden Hurdle 2m

Tullyhill is surely better than he showed first time up when turned over at odds of 1/8 at Punchestown. He raced keenly over that two-mile-six-furlong trip which led to a few awkward jumps, so perhaps travelling faster over this shorter trip will help him. He clearly has a lot of talent, evidenced by his bumper performances last season.

Gordon Elliott's Undeniable Alibi hasn't been re-entered after last Sunday, so the favourite's task looks a little easier. Stoneyford Lady is a half-sister to Captain Guinness, so looks worth keeping an eye on here on her debut for Henry de Bromhead.

SELECTION: TULLYHILL

Next best: Stoneyford Lady

2.42 Naas Racecourse Handicap Hurdle 2m

This new addition to the card can go to Quornofamonday. Philip Dempsey's gelding has put together two solid runs, finishing a close third to We'llgowats at Gowran and then just a half length off Glenabo Bridge at Fairyhouse. Soft ground over the two miles will suit him well and it's hard to see him not involved again.

Be My Hero was a non-runner at Clonmel yesterday, presumably in preference to run here. Gordon Elliott's consistent gelding will be a threat and comes here off the back of a solid effort to finish fifth to Gamigin at Down Royal.

SELECTION: QUORNAFAMONDAY

Next best: Be My Hero

3.10 Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle 2m 3f 24y

This is wide open but a good case can be made for the likely first two in the betting, Poppy Rose and American Money. Both come into this contest in good form and have reasonably unexposed profiles. Poppy Rose was only just touched off here over two miles last month while American Money ran fifth in a Punchestown heat that looks stronger to what he will face here.

There are a few others to note, not least Politicise, who ran with credit when third in the competitive handicap hurdle won by Music Of Tara at Leopardstown. American Money appealed of those less exposed. Eddie and Patrick Harty’s gelding has twice run with credit this term and can do so again.

SELECTION: AMERICAN MONEY

Next best: Poppy Rose

3.40 Fifty Stars INH Flat Race 2m

With such little to go on in this four-year-old bumper, jockey bookings may be as good a guide as any. Derek O’Connor had been booked by Philip Dempsey to ride Kaikoura and while that top amateur now rides the newly entered King In Love for Grainne O'Connor. Declan Lavery takes over on Kaikoura, which is no negative for the son of Beaumec De Houelle who is related to Invictus Machin.

Patrick Mullins has been booked to ride Shuttle Diplomacy by Tom Cooper. The soft ground should be okay for this son of German sire Dishingis Secret and his trainer already has a bumper winner this term.

SELECTION: KAIKOURA

Next best: Shuttle Diplomacy