Grade 1 Novice Hurdle 2m 6f
Final Demand (Paul) is a fine individual and Paul thinks a lot of him. He is a big chasing type rather than a hurdler and we will know a lot more about him after this test.
Jasmin De Vaux (J J Slevin) was a little disappointing at Naas last time where his jumping let him down. He has been schooling better since and the longer trip will give him a chance to get his jumping together. He has a big engine.
Joystick (Danny) is a course winner who won a 2 mile maiden at Naas last time. We have always thought of him as a staying type but he will need and conserve his energy over this trip.
Sounds Victorious (Sean O’Keeffe) won over 2m 4f at Fairyhouse and the extra two furlongs here won’t be a problem. He jumps well and has every chance of getting into the placings.
Supersundae (Patrick) was second in the Lawlers Of Naas last time and we felt he needed that run. With that run under his belt and an extra two furlongs he should run a big race.
Grade 1 Juvenile Hurdle 2 Miles
Sony Bill (Danny) had a real good run over this course and distance at Christmas and with his jumping experience can’t be left out of the reckoning.
Willy De Houelle (Brian Hayes) came to us with abig reputation but will have to improve a lot from his run here at Christmas if he is to mix it with the top ones.
Lady Vega Allen (Sean O’Keeffe) ran really well on her first run for us at Christmas and must carry a lot of respect here.
Sainte Lucie was very impressive when winning at Punchestown on her first run for Closutton and is Paul’s pick here.
Listed Handicap Hurdle 3 Miles
King Alexander (Sean O’Keeffe) won nicely at Fairyhouse last month but a 10lb rise in the ratings means a lot over this trip. It’s hard to see him overcoming that burden.
Meetingofthewaters (Rachael) is a couse winner and looks thrown in on his chase mark for this valuable handicap.
Arkle Novice Chase 2m 1f
We have won the last four runnings of this race and it looks like being a fantastic contest this year.
Ile Atlantique (Paul) has won his two outings over fences in good style and won’t go down easily.
Majborough (Mark Walsh) looked a very exciting prospect when winning impressively on his chasing debut at Fairyhouse. He’s been doing everything right at home since.
Paddy Power Gold Cup 2 Miles
Embassy Gardens (Mikey O’Sullivan) enjoyed making the running when winning at Tramore on New Years Day. This is tougher but he has always shown us a good level of ability at home.
Fact To File (Mark Walsh) ran a great race when second here at Christmas but needs a career best to win today. Maybe a change of tactics and a bit of luck will do the trick.
Galopin Des Champs (Paul) is going for three-in-row in this race. He is in good form and doing everything right at home. He is the one to best.
Grangeclare West (Brian Hayes) is a course and distance winner and deserves his place in the line-up. A top four finish would be good.
I Am Maximus (Jody McGarvey) disappointed us when pulling up last time but we are hoping for better this time. Hopefully, he will jump well and finish on his quest for a second Grand National.
Minella Cocooner (Danny) is hard to find races for and hopefully he will run better than at Christmas. He could be National bound, either the English, Irish or Scottish.
Listed Handicap Chase 2m 1f
Ha D’or (Brian Hayes) and Shanbally Kid (Mikey O’Sullivan) have not struck form this year and are probably best watched.
Grade 2 Bumper 2 Miles
Green Splendour (Patrick) looked a nice prospect when winning here last time but this is a top class bumper. We’ll find out today where he sits in the pecking order in the bumper division.
Sortudo (Jody) has his chance but this is a tall order.
