11.40 Racing Again 8th January 2022 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle 2m

Champion Green, a potentially exciting recruit to juvenile hurdling, can make a winning debut for J.P. McManus and Joseph O’Brien. A lightly-raced individual on the flat, he has huge scope for improvement and with a rating of 90 on the level, he is one of the nicer types for the winter game. An impressive debut could see him hold a prominent position in early lists for the Triumph Hurdle.

Iberique Du Seuil sets a fair standard having finished second on both starts over flights to date. His experience could prove crucial but given that he has already been beaten twice, it would be disappointing for connections of Champion Green if that one can’t prove too strong.

SELECTION: CHAMPION GREEN

Next best: Iberique Du Seuil

12.10 Follow Us On Instagram Maiden Hurdle (Div 1) 2m

Kilcruit should have little difficulty justifying short odds. Second in the Champion Bumper last March, he was a Grade 1 winner at Punchestown subsequently and already features towards the head of the market for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Harry Alonzo, also one of the better bumper horses last season, has the advantage of race fitness on his side. The Noel Meade-trained five-year-old shaped with real promise when keeping on late for third last time, so is undoubtedly the one to benefit should the favourite fail to run his race.

SELECTION: KILCRUIT

Next best: Harry Alonzo

12.40 Follow Us On Instagram Maiden Hurdle (Div II) 2m

Dysart Dynamo can give Willie Mullins a quick double in the second division of this race. Unbeaten in two bumpers, the five-year-old has looked potentially top class and gets the chance to show what he can do here against stronger opposition. On the balance of form, he should be good enough to see off some decent rivals.

Marvel De Cerisy won his point-to-point before making a pleasing hurdling debut at Wexford. He is unlikely to be found wanting in the jumping department, so again, is the one best placed to pick up the pieces should the Mullins horse run below expectations.

SELECTION: DYSART DYNAMO

Next best: Marvel De Cerisy

1.10 Singletons Supervalu Stayers Novice Hurdle (Grade 3) 3m

Idas Boy can gain revenge on Thurles conqueror Churchstonewarrior with a 3lbs pull in the weights. Gigginstown House Stud often targets this particular contest, as it suits the proven stayers that they tend to lean towards. For that reason, Noel Meade is sure to have had this prize in mind for his seven-year-old for some time. Churchstonewarrior has been a credit to trainer Jonathan Sweeney and as a local runner he is certain to be at his peak for the race.

SELECTION: IDAS BOY

Next best: Churchstonewarrior

1.45 O’Flynn Group Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase (Grade 2) 2m 160y

Riviere D’Etel has an engagement at Navan today but should connections decide to come here, she should take plenty of beating while in receipt of her age allowance. Gordon Elliott campaigned the filly sparingly last season, most likely with one eye on a chasing career. She has certainly repaid that paitence, given she is unbeaten in two starts over fences, including when impressively winning a Grade 2 outside her own sex last time.

Concertista, a very smart hurdler at her best, would be a serious threat if jumping well on her chasing debut. On paper, this looks a big ask first time up but she wouldn’t be here if her trainer felt she couldn’t do herself justice.

SELECTION: RIVIERE D’ETEL

Next best: Concertista

2.20 Kerry Group Hilly Way Chase (Grade 2) 2m 160y

Energumene can make a winning seasonal reappearance. Unbeaten in four runs over fences, he was a late defection from the Arkle Chase last March but returned to the track to destroy a Grade 1 field at Punchestown on his final start. As one of the leading fancies for the 2022 Queen Mother Champion Chase, anything less than an impressive win will disappoint.

Notebook, an easy winner at Navan last month, looks the biggest threat. He’s a quality operator so has to be feared with race fitness on side.

SELECTION: ENERGUMENE

Next best: Notebook

2.50 Fermoy Handicap Hurdle 2m

Pythion has been disappointing of late but there is no denying he is well handicapped over flights. Having won his maiden hurdle at Listowel in June, he ran below par when disappointing at the Harvest Festival in September but could easily bounce back for his shrewd trainer.

Lucky Max has been a revelation of late, easily landing his two most recent starts. A huge hike for his course-and-distance win last time will make life harder now, but it is hard to ignore his chances as the proven in-form runner in the field.

SELECTION: PYTHION

Next best: Lucky Max

3.20 River Blackwater Novice Handicap Hurdle 2m4f

Chelseas Friend can get the locals cheering by coming home in front for the Mangan Family. A dual winner earlier in the season over further, she disappointed at Ballinrobe on her last start but has been freshened up since then. While definitely preferring a stiffer test, the soft ground should make this a race for stayers.

Temptationinmilan did nothing wrong when just finding one too strong at Down Royal and will almost certainly play a leading role.

SELECTION: CHELSEAS FRIEND

Next best: Temptationinmilan