January 19 / 13.40 Fairyhouse

13.40

Heavy

Easter Festival Early Bird Maiden Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5221.24
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • 19 runners
RTV
View Course
Easter Festival Early Bird Maiden Hurdle

Runners: 19 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

Abandoned

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a 7f Laytown maiden in September in first-time tongue-tie; surpassed that form with third of 19 in a 1m handicap at the Curragh in October; excellent Flat pedigree, half-brother to Irish St Leger winner Royal Diamond, and to Pattern winners Princess Highway and Mad About You; interesting recruit to hurdling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(11)

24th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 2f 100y

19:45 Cork

Coeur Dor

9st 5lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: D K Weld

Four-time winner but not since Irish Cambridgeshire win of 2024; definite encouragement on second start back off reduced mark without quite staying this trip at Leopardstown; blinkers now replace visor and now 11lb below career-high mark but stamina remains a concern at this trip.

10/1

6th

2

(11)

15th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 2f 0y

14:32 Leopardstown

Coeur Dor

10st 1lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: D K Weld

Four-time winner; on a long losing sequence; towards the rear on seasonal debut at the Curragh; now 9lb below career-high mark but needs to show a spark of revival.

14/1

16th

7

(1)

3rd Apr 2026

Soft

1m 2f 0y

16:17 Curragh

Coeur Dor

9st 7lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: D K Weld

Smart sort is only 4-29 but has run well in defeat many times in quality races including when beaten 2.5l into fourth over C&D off 95 in October; this ground could be a bit too testing for him on return but the veteran could still go well.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Best Flat form at Dundalk (2-10), failed to win on turf; should be fit from AW action, but testing conditions may not be ideal for hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

12

(7)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 3f 179y

Class 6

13:20 Leicester

Rockview Roman

9st 11lb

J: Miss Abigail Voyce

T: Mickey Bowen

Had a lot of racing in Ireland and was getting beaten in claiming hurdles when last seen during the summer; makes debut for Mickey Bowen but he's a 9yo now and hard to warm to.

20/1

9th

12

(7)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

1m 3f 179y

Class 6

13:20 Leicester

Rockview Roman

9st 11lb

J: Miss Abigail Voyce

T: Mickey Bowen

Had a lot of racing in Ireland and was getting beaten in claiming hurdles when last seen during the summer; makes debut for Mickey Bowen but he's a 9yo now and hard to warm to.

20/1

3rd

8

10th Jun 2025

Good

2m 2f 96y

17:28 Sligo

Rockview Roman

10st 6lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John C McConnell

Three-time Flat winner; yet to shine over hurdles (0-11); has been running in races of this type lately; needs to reverse Clonmel form with Mephisto; finished behind Must Meet Cecil at Wexford.

25/1

Form: P5

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fair performer on the Flat, four wins and ten places from 52 starts; jumped poorly and was pulled-up on her hurdles debut at Thurles in October; can get the hang of things judged on long-priced fifth in a 25-runner Naas maiden a month ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

28th Aug 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 40y

18:48 Bellewstown

Take My Hand

11st 7lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Michael Mulvany

Four-time Flat winner (including at this venue) and placed ten times; 0-10 over hurdles; lost form after Tramore second at the end of the season before last; long absence to overcome.

16/1

8th

10

13th Jun 2023

Good

2m 1f 133y

18:33 Sligo

Take My Hand

11st 6lb

J: Shane Fitzgerald

T: Michael Mulvany

took keen hold, prominent, went second before 2nd, hit 5th

12/1

6th

10

2nd Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 120y

18:50 Tramore

Take My Hand

10st 9lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Michael Mulvany

Four-time Flat winner; 0-8 over hurdles but has competitive form, including when second under a positive ride over C&D in April; Ballinrobe was nothing like so good but she's better than that.

10/1

Form: 02

Last run: 81 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Was found to be blowing hard after a disappointing debut in a bumper Listowel last September; showed the benefit of the run going close at Wexford on hurdling debut; that was not a strong race, but he should be thereabouts again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

14:32 Uttoxeter

Abbeydale

12st 0lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Won a maiden hurdle in Ireland back in March 2023; hasn't seen much action in the meantime and latest fourth at Wetherby (2m3f, soft) in this new headgear combination was a step back in the right direction; possible.

11/2

6th

4

7th Mar 2025

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 3

15:20 Leicester

Abbeydale

11st 2lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Won over hurdles in Ireland; has been keeping fair company in his four runs for current yard but hasn't got going; could still come good again.

14/1

5th

3

20th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

13:35 Warwick

Abbeydale

11st 9lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Hurdle winner in Ireland; yet to show progress for new yard, latterly switched to fences (fell then well-held second); doesn't look obviously well treated back at handicap level.

12/1

Form: 276305

Last run: 47 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed in two bumpers, best effort at Roscommon last summer on debut; quite promising along with Kelce over C&D on second hurdles start; worth a look for future reference.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 100y

17:35 Ballinrobe

Fiveonefive

11st 7lb

J: Ben Harvey

T: Cian Collins

Gained a fifth win over hurdles at Cartmel last June but has lost his way since; heavy defeats the last twice at Naas and Aintree; is at least back down to last winning mark, but needs a revival.

22/1

20th

15

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

Fiveonefive

11st 4lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Cian Collins

Irish challenger who has done his winning at about 2m, mostly at Cartmel where he remains unbeaten; far from consistent and can be opposed in this highly competitive scenario back up in distance.

66/1

Form: P

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to his trainer's 2m5f handicap hurdle winner Huckleberry Rock; 100-1 when pulled-up on debut in a 2m4f maiden here on New Year's Day; one to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

9

22nd Oct 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

14:30 Limerick

Huckleberry River

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Shane Crawley

Three-figure odds when pulled up in two Fairyhouse outings in January; can be ruled out; hooded now

100/1

9

25th Jan 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

14:23 Fairyhouse

Huckleberry River

11st 4lb

J: Benjamin P Kennedy

T: Shane Crawley

took keen hold, towards rear, in touch with leaders before 2nd, prominent before 5th

100/1

Form: 2/2 BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Did not look an easy ride when second in a 1m4f AQPS event in April 2021; form looks quite solid, winner later scored twice over hurdles; did not make Irish debut until favorite for a 2m maiden at Limerick after Christmas; raced up with the pace before running out of steam, no match for a stablemate of Sam Magee but well clear of the remainder; strong contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

25th Jan 2023

Soft To Heavy

2m 0f 0y

14:23 Fairyhouse

In Excess

11st 4lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

prominent, not fluent 2nd, led after 5th

11/10

2nd

19

26th Dec 2022

Soft

2m 0f 0y

12:58 Limerick

In Excess

10st 13lb

J: Philip Byrnes

T: W P Mullins

First reserve; second in an AQPS bumper 20 months ago; of obvious interest if getting in.

Abandoned

Form: 68

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has shown a degree of promise in two maiden outings; closely matched with Fiveonfive on running at this venue; likely handicap prospect after this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

9th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 3y

Class 3

15:40 Taunton

Kelce

11st 7lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Neil Mulholland

Consistent sort who gained a first win of the current campaign in 3m Musselburgh handicap chase 37 days ago; not ruled out despite taking a 7lb hike in the weights.

7/2

1st

5

31st Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 138y

Class 3

16:11 Musselburgh

Kelce

10st 11lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Front-runner who won twice last season (soft/good) and bounced back from heavy-ground blip to finish second at Aintree (3m1f, good to soft) on Boxing Day; runs well a lot more often than not and he's a leading player.

5/2

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Gelded son of Frankel is a Niarchos cast-off with a smart pedigree; one fair run for Willie McCreery in 2021 but a low-grade maiden handicapper last season; chance is not obvious on hurdling debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

17

(1)

17th Aug 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

19:35 Leopardstown

Lofoten

8st 9lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: P J Rothwell

Maiden after 12 starts has been soundly beaten on last three runs and doesn't make a lot of appeal.

50/1

11th

14

(16)

26th Jul 2023

Soft

1m 0f 0y

19:30 Naas

Lofoten

8st 12lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: P J Rothwell

dwelt start, towards rear of midfield

20/1

10th

18

(9)

15th Jul 2023

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 0y

17:20 Navan

Lofoten

9st 1lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: P J Rothwell

Maiden's staying-on fifth under Bowen at Listowel (1m) was promising and didn't see out 1m5f latest; could go okay over this trip.

16/1

Form: 00

Last run: 4 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Poor form in points; in good hands, but no impact in two maiden hurdle outings over this trip since Christmas.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

14:32 Uttoxeter

Master Breffni

11st 13lb

J: Callum Bewley

T: Micky Hammond

Struggled last time at Haydock but headed there in a fine run of form and he's still on a competitive mark; couldn't dismiss with trip/ground preferable.

8/1

2

9th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 198y

Class 4

15:00 Carlisle

Master Breffni

11st 9lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Micky Hammond

held up in rear, bad mistake and fell 2nd

7/4

1st

4

25th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 51y

Class 3

16:00 Catterick

Master Breffni

10st 5lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Micky Hammond

held up in last

7/2

Form: 00

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
In a top stable, but no sign of ability in maiden hurdles at Leopardstown and Tramore in recent weeks.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

6th Aug 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 5f 147y

19:30 Roscommon

On My Bike

11st 11lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

1-14 over hurdles but disappointed at Ballinrobe in that sphere last time out; previously ran a nice race at Bellewstown over 2m4f on good ground; not a bad run on chase debut at Downpatrick in June where 2m7f trip probably stretched him; cheekpieces on for handicap chase debut; probably best watched today unless the money comes.

10/1

7th

4

23rd Jul 2024

Good To Yielding

2m 6f 0y

19:53 Ballinrobe

On My Bike

11st 12lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Won at Punchestown and a cracking run at Bellewstown last time after his chasing debut; should be a big player off 2lb higher.

5/1

Form: 34

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Enough merit in his bumper runs at this venue and at Leopardstown to suggest he has a solid future over jumps; may need to gather experience.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

27th May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 0y

19:19 Wexford

Park Of Kings

11st 10lb

J: Peter Smithers

T: Paul Nolan

Three-time hurdles winner; failed to adapt to chasing in six starts last season, including in novice handicaps on his last three outings; best hurdles form at 2m-2m4f, though ran with credit when fourth in a strong 3m handicap at Aintree last year.

10/1

14th

23

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

17:25 Punchestown

Park Of Kings

10st 7lb

T: Paul Nolan

First reserve; three-time hurdles winner has been beaten a long way in five chase starts this season, including in novice handicaps the last twice; unseated at the fourth at Wexford last time; 10lb lower mark in this sphere and has won on good ground, so there are positives if returning to form.

3

10th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:03 Wexford

Park Of Kings

11st 10lb

J: Eoin Staples

T: Paul Nolan

Three-time hurdles winner; beaten a long way in three beginners' chases this term, most recently never counted on handicap debut in Naas Listed contest in February; hurdles form on better ground so these improved conditions could see improvement (10lb lower than over hurdles).

14/1

Form: P/06

Last run: 11 days

W: 11st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Modest form in points after 2019 win; getting on in years, but produced his best hurdles effort so far at Naas last time; 150-1 shot on that occasion, did well to keep on for sixth of 24 finishers behind odds-on Hunters Yarn.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

15th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 4f 73y

14:25 Punchestown

Pay Later

10st 12lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Jonathan Sweeney

Gambled favourite for his stable debut at Fairyhouse two weeks ago after 11 months off but made no show after jumping poorly; unusual for this stable to get it so badly wrong so he had clearly been showing something; interesting once again, as will be the market.

12/1

11th

11

1st Jan 2024

Heavy

2m 4f 143y

13:15 Fairyhouse

Pay Later

10st 13lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Jonathan Sweeney

Point winner showed a glimpse of ability over hurdles, including in a Navan handicap when last seen; interesting jockey booking and worth a market check; tongue-tie on.

12/1

9th

3

12th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 6f 100y

15:10 Navan

Pay Later

11st 7lb

J: Gearoid Brouder

T: Gerard O’Leary

Winning pointer; has shown some ability in maiden hurdles and looks fairly treated; interesting runner.

14/1

Form: 3

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Point winner for Liam Kenny on good ground at Tattersalls Farm last May; sold for 80,000 Euros; drops in trip after a pleasing run to take third over 2m4f on stable/hurdling debut at Down Royal last month; handled soft ground then, should improve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

6th Aug 2025

Good

3m 1f 70y

19:17 Wexford

Sam Magee

11st 6lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Course novice hurdle winner; hampered on two occasions when pulled up on Limerick return in May; lying second when falling two out here two weeks ago, worth considering in a weak race.

13/2

1

23rd Jul 2025

Yielding To Soft

3m 1f 110y

16:45 Wexford

Sam Magee

12st 0lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Novice hurdle winner here (3m) who went up 8lb for 2m6f Fairyhouse lady riders chase win in November (yielding); jumping issues when fifth of 17 to Sequestered at Leopardstown in December; hampered on two occasions (by left-jumping Ceroc) when pulled up on Limerick return in May so that run probably forgiven.

8/1

Form: 09P

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Big price in three maiden hurdle outings, nothing to suggest he could feature.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

31st May 2023

Good

2m 1f 100y

18:30 Wexford

Thirsty Thursday

11st 2lb

J: J J Slevin

T: Colin Motherway

Fair run on heavy ground at Clonmel in March in his first handicap; has failed to build on that; cheekpieces on now.

14/1

20

26th May 2023

Good

2m 3f 0y

18:15 Limerick

Thirsty Thursday

11st 2lb

J: Niall Moore

T: Colin Motherway

9th

6

21st Apr 2023

Yielding

3m 0f 0y

17:40 Kilbeggan

Thirsty Thursday

11st 5lb

J: Ian Power

T: Colin Motherway

Reportedly hung left when not running at all badly in a Clonmel handicap last month, not so good since at Navan; marked step up in trip here.

16/1

Form:

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Started his Flat career well for Tony Mullins, producing several good efforts over 6f/7f at the Curragh, before regressing sharply; faded from three out on recent stable/hurdling debut at Cork.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

13

(11)

25th Sep 2023

Soft

1m 2f 75y

16:45 Down Royal

Valhallas Dream

8st 12lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: R P Burns

Failed to build on early promise for Tony Mullins; very poor form in four starts this year, two on Flat, two over hurdles.

25/1

22th

15

(10)

16th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

20:15 Cork

Valhallas Dream

9st 2lb

J: Conor Maxwell

T: R P Burns

Some promise back in the day for Tony Mullins; restricted campaign in recent years and hard to fancy on recent evidence.

20/1

8

(16)

4th Jun 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

16:07 Listowel

Valhallas Dream

9st 4lb

J: Jack Kearney

T: R P Burns

Showed promise in his maidens and was a good fifth on handicap debut at the Curragh back in May 21 but has failed to make much of an impact since returning from 14-month break last October; last seen finishing 10th of 12 in a Dundalk handicap in April, racing freely in rear; doesn't make much appeal.

40/1

Form: 2008

Last run: 124 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed promise when 12l second on his debut in a bumper at Tipperary last summer; has failed to build on that so far; little impact in mid-field on his hurdling debut at Navan; first reserve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

14

16th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 4f 175y

15:45 Punchestown

Resilient Front

11st 3lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Noel Meade

towards rear of midfield

20/1

7th

4

2nd Nov 2023

Soft

2m 0f 13y

14:40 Thurles

Resilient Front

11st 10lb

J: Sam Ewing

T: Noel Meade

Bumper runner-up was too keen when tailed off on handicap debut over 2m5f at Downpatrick; may fare better over this trip.

10/1

7th

1

6th Oct 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 110y

16:10 Downpatrick

Resilient Front

11st 12lb

J: Michael O’Sullivan

T: Noel Meade

midfield and took keen hold early, dropped to rear before 4th

10/1

Abandoned

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
First foal; dam a 2m4f chase winner by Flemensfirth from the family of Gold Cup winner Master Oats; reported lame when missing an intended debut in a bumper at this venue early last month; second reserve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

3

3rd Jun 2023

Good

2m 5f 120y

19:30 Tramore

Calazure

11st 12lb

J: Denis O’Regan

T: Noel Meade

Promise in a bumper on debut and bounced back from a lesser effort when fourth of 13 (beaten roughly 5l) at Downpatrick last time; sets the standard and could be hard to beat if he handles the quicker ground.

11/8

4th

5

2nd Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 160y

13:40 Downpatrick

Calazure

11st 4lb

J: Denis O’Regan

T: Noel Meade

towards rear

33/1

13th

2

9th Feb 2023

Yielding

2m 6f 182y

15:50 Thurles

Calazure

11st 4lb

J: B J Cooper

T: Noel Meade

Showed promise in a Navan bumper won by Cheltenham favourite It's For Me; up sharply in trip for his hurdles debut; not discounted.

12/1

Abandoned

Form: 2/P

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Touched off over 2m2f at Compiegne in May 2019 on his only start in France; raced keenly and dropped away tamely on belated Irish debut at Tramore; trainer's In Excess has strong credentials; third reserve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

30th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

20:45 Stratford

Figaroc

11st 12lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Alexandra Dunn

Player on winter 2024's frame finishes in 2m chases for Willie Mullins, albeit gained on soft/heavy; dispiriting return following wind surgery in a Fakenham claiming hurdle latest, from which cheekpieces are retained.

16/1

3

30th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

20:45 Stratford

Figaroc

11st 12lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Alexandra Dunn

Player on winter 2024's frame finishes in 2m chases for Willie Mullins, albeit gained on soft/heavy; dispiriting return following wind surgery in a Fakenham claiming hurdle latest, from which cheekpieces are retained.

16/1

5th

3

6th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 3y

Class 4

14:15 Fakenham

Figaroc

11st 8lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Alexandra Dunn

soon prominent, lost position after 3 out, weakened after 2 out

12/1

Verdict

There should be a fair amount of improvement to come from IN EXCESS following a second placing at Limerick on his Irish debut. Henry de Bromhead trains the winner of that race and now provides a strong challenger in Sam Magee. Abbeydale probably has more on his plate than when second at Wexford. Hurdling newcomers Coeur D’Or and Park Of Kings make some appeal. [Alan Sweetman]