Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

An Tobar: Point-to-point winner at Ballyvodock in 2020. Overcame a long absence to make a winning rules debut over course and distance last month. Takes a big step up in class but connections clearly feel he is capable of making his presence felt.

Bialystok: Tipperary Grade 3 runner-up. Has plenty of experience for a race of this nature but needs to improve. However, it is surely significant that he is the stable number one here.

Encanto Bruno: Strong contender after impressive Cheltenham win last month. Aside from one below par run when disappointing at Galway, the Gavin Cromwell trained five-year-old has done little wrong to date.

Farren Glory: Lightly raced six-year-old with scope for progression this term. Beat a smart rival rather easily when making a winning return at Clonmel last month. Has more to do here but one of the more unexposed contenders.

Fascile Mode: Smart type in bumpers last season. Couldn’t have done it any easier when making a winning debut over hurdles at Punchestown recently. Looks the horse they all have to beat.

Horantzau D’airy: Consistent performer in lesser grade. Has yet to prove he has the ability to compete at this level. Always dangerous to underestimate runners from his stable but strictly on form he needs to improve to get involved.

King Of Kingsfield: Third in Grade 1 bumper last season. On that bare form he should be the one to beat but he has failed to get his head in front on both starts over hurdles this term. Connections will be hoping that a more strongly run race can see him in a better light.

What’s Up Darling: Grade 3 winner at Navan. Unexposed six-year-old who took the step up in class in his stride when winning his latest start. Will need to progress further now but every chance he could do just that.

Conclusion

Fascile Mode was as good as any of these in bumpers last season but crucially, he has already proven that he has similar ability over hurdles. With the possibility of further improvement to come after a winning debut over flights at Punchestown, the Tom Mullins trained gelding gets the nod. Cheltenham winner Encanto Bruno has to be a serious threat if replicating that form, while King Of Kingsfield could be dangerous to write off.