12:15 Bar One Racing 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle 2m 185yds

Willie Mullins is represented by newcomer Blood Destiny. The No Risk At All gelding was second in a conditions hurdle at Auteuil in April. Bo Zenith, who won that race, is now with Gary Moore. The third landed a listed hurdle at Auteuil at the start of September.

Realism is an interesting hurdle recruit for J.P. McManus. He failed to win in four starts on the flat for Aidan O’Brien but was third in the Royal Whip Stakes behind Luxembourg and earned a rating of 103.

SELECTION: BLOOD DESTINY

Next best: Realism

12:45 Bar One Racing Maiden Hurdle 2m 185yds

Mercurey can give Willie Mullins a quick double. He was ultra-impressive in a Gowran bumper on his debut. He was sent off at odds of 1/4 in a winners’ bumper at Limerick but could only manage third.

The winner, Impulsive Dancer, and second, Blizzard Of Oz, were subsequently purchased by Simon Munir & Isaac Souede and now reside at Closutton also.

Mercurey has reportedly strengthened up and he should be able to get off the mark over hurdles here.

The main danger is Arctic Bresil, who cost £305,000 at last year’s Cheltenham November Sale. The Blue Bresil gelding was unfortunate not to win a point-to-point and Henry de Bromhead has given him a few favourable mentions lately.

SELECTION: MERCUREY

Next best: Arctic Bresil

1:15 Singletons Supervalu Stayers Novice Hurdle (Grade 3) 3m

Monbeg Park can continue his progression. The Walk In The Park gelding injured his front joint when winning his point-to-point, which prevented him going to the sales.

After finishing second to the talented Kalanisi Star at Gowran, he took advantage of a nice opportunity to win a point-to-point bumper at this venue. Monbeg Park’s bumper career was rounded off at Punchestown, where he placed and finished ahead of James’s Gate and Music Drive.

On his hurdling debut, he chased home Affordale Fury, who fell at the last when going well in the Monksfield. Monbeg Park made no mistake at Punchestown, as he powered away from his rivals. The step-up to three miles can bring about further improvement.

Letsbeclearaboutit was a top-class bumper performer. After missing last season, he ran a great race behind American Mike on his reappearance.

Hiddenvalley Lake is difficult to assess. The form of his Naas win got a bit of boost this week, as Santonito and Gaoth Chuil both won. Cool Survivor will relish the stamina test.

SELECTION: MONBEG PARK

Next best: Letsbeclearaboutit

1:45 O’Flynn Group Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase (Grade 2) 2m 160yds

This is a competitive little contest. Impervious made an impressive start to her chasing career at Wexford, where she beat the 135-rated Cayd Boy convincingly. The Colm Murphy-trained mare is a Down Royal Grade 3 winner and is marginally preferred to Dinoblue.

After creating a big impression when winning her maiden hurdle at Clonmel, Dinoblue was a shade disappointing.

Impervious was ahead of her at Cheltenham, but that form was reversed at Fairyhouse.

Dinoblue jumped bravely on her fencing debut and appeared to have plenty left in the tank, as she sprinted away from Roseys Hollow.

Instit is only four and was ahead of Impervious and Dinoblue at Fairyhouse, though her lack of experience is a slight worry.

SELECTION: IMPERVIOUS

Next best: Dinoblue

2:20 Bar One Racing Hilly Way Chase (Grade 2) 2m 160yds

The 176-rated Energumene is likely to justify long odds-on here. He won this contest in second gear last year and was then second to Shishkin in an epic duel in the Clarence House at Ascot.

Thankfully, for Willie Mullins and owner Tony Bloom, he was able to brush aside those battle scars and claim Champion Chase glory. He cemented his champion status with a facile defeat of Chacun Pour Soi at Punchestown.

This looks a perfect starting point again for him.

Grade 1 winner and fan-favourite Master McShee will improve for the run, as trainer Paddy Corkery has encountered a few setbacks with the horse.

This a tough seasonal opener for Fastorslow, who was just denied in the Coral Cup. While he has not jumped a fence in this county, he did win a chase in his native France in 2019.

SELECTION: ENERGUMENE

Next best: Captain Guinness

2:50 Bar One Racing Handicap Hurdle 2m 4f

A tricky race to solve. Gringo D’Ainay is a speculative selection. He was well-backed in a Listowel handicap over this trip in June. The Fame And Glory gelding looked a likely winner but idled when hitting the front.

His recent run at Naas behind Hiddenvalley Lake at Naas should set him right for this. Gorgeous Suspect ran a nice race behind Ashroe Diamond. His opening mark of 111 leaves room for improvement. Gali Flight is in good form and can run well again.

SELECTION: GRINGO D’AINAY

Next best: Gorgeous Suspect

3:20 Finbarr Quaid Electrical Novice Handicap Hurdle 2m 4f

Light Parade could still be ahead of his mark, despite being raised to 94 after winning nicely off 84 at Thurles. He needs to be ridden patiently and Phillip Enright will deliver him late.

Champagne Auction beat Light Parade over course and distance two runs ago, so should run well again. Top-weight Moon Eagle was an eye-catcher at Limerick last time where he perhaps made a move from the rear too quickly.

Any market support should be noted for the Michael Winters-trained West Breeze, who was a promising fourth over fences last time at Clonmel.

SELECTION: LIGHT PARADE

Next best: Champagne Auction