Had been off for five months prior to finishing a close up fifth in the Coral Cup @ Cheltenham. Met with interference during the race and faded up the hill where lack of a recent run began to tell. Lightly raced in handicaps so could have more to offer over a slightly shorter trip."
2.20:
1. Rouge Vif
2. Itchy Feet
3. Aramon
Form has really taken off over hurdles since being fitted with a hood by connections. Was a nice winner of a grade two event @ Kelso last time but this represents a step up in class. Likely to handle the rain softened conditions better than many of his opponents and is an each way player at the very least."
2.50:
1. Top Ville Ben
2. Topofthegame
3. Lostintranslation
Hasn’t been the most consistent performer so far over fences, winning his first two before disappointing on the next two including taking a heavy fall in the RSA at Cheltenham. Got back on track at Wetherby and could easily outrun his odds on this flat track if allowed a soft lead."
3.25:
1. Hells Kitchen
2. Waiting Patiently
3. Politologue
Talented but quirky individual who was an impressive winner at Ascot two runs back. Ran well to finish fourth in the Champion Chase on his latest start and with the step up in trip sure to suit should run a big race."
4.05:
1. Kilcrea Vale
2. Adrien Du Pont
3. Ballyhill
Has decent form over these fences including in this last year when a never nearer 4th. Has had a lighter campaign than a lot of his rivals and off bottom weight he is expected to put up another good effort over a course he seems to excel at."
4.40:
1. Downtown Getaway
2. Lisnager Oscar
3. Trevelyns Corn
Was a comfortable winner of a two mile bumper at Fairyhouse on his only start last year. Went straight over hurdles on reappearance and looked like making a winning start before a mistake three out stopped him in his tracks. Gained combat Ascot when getting up late on. Lacks the experience of many but step up in trip should elicit further improvement and see him go close."
5.15:
1. Dewcup
2. Malystic
3. Ebony Jewel
Was slightly disappointing on debut at Leopardstown but showed the benefit of that experience when getting his head in front at Thurles two weeks ago. Still showed signs of greenness on that occasion but with that form having been boosted already and with Ruby Walsh taking the ride should go very close."
