1.15 Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 6f 53yd

Final Demand: Expensive recruit had a lot to live up to on rules debut, when he bolted up by 15 lengths. The second and third have since won, but today’s rivals are a different story.

I Am Lorenzo: Plenty to like about his last two starts. Though his recent run has worked out well, he looks out of his depth.

Jasmin De Vaux: Debut hurdle win worked out well, but this Champion Bumper winner disappointed next time with untidy jumping.

Joystick: Fourth to a smart horse on his hurdle debut, and improved to win next time over two miles. His pedigree and bumper win over two and a half miles suggest there could be more to come over this trip.

Pray Tell: Put experience to good use in a Grade 3 last time – a landmark win for his three-horse trainer, who suggested a break was in order after that win.

Sommesky: His form is weaker than most of today’s rivals, and he may be seen to better effect over fences.

Sounds Victorius: Useful bumper horse shaped like a step up in trip would suit when winning his maiden hurdle, but he may lack the class required today.

Sporting Glory: The form of his debut hurdle win hasn’t aged well and didn’t appear to stay when disappointing last time.

Supersundae: Beaten eight lengths in a Grade 1, with Wingmen and Jasmin De Vaux behind him. He should improve from his first start of the season and will appreciate the step up in trip, aided by the addition of a tongue tie and hood.

Wingmen: Hard to see him bridging the gap with Supersundae, though his tactics that day may have been for his stablemate and eventual winner.

The trip would be the only chance of improvement as his dam stayed three miles.

Mozzies Sister: Admirable mare deserves a blacktype win, but it’s unlikely to be at Grade 1 level.

World Of Fortunes: Smart listed winner on good ground earlier in the season. Doesn’t look up to this level, especially on softer going.

Conclusion:

It looks between the Willie Mullins-trained trio of Final Demand, Supersundae and, at a much bigger price, Joystick.

With just one run under rules, Final Demand’s promise is harder to judge, so I’ll side with Supersundae, with an each-way vote for outsider Joystick.

It’s worth noting that two of the last three runnings were won by Closutton’s second string, successful at double-figure odds.