1:45
PONT DU GARD ran well in maiden hurdles this time last year and made a perfectly reasonable comeback from a long absence when 6th at Punchestown last month. JACK IN THE BOX should also find this easier than the 2 maidens he has run in so far this year and should go close under Davy Russell.
2:20
VINA ARDANZA is unbeaten in 2 starts and it fits into the “could be anything” bracket. GYPSY ISLAND can’t be ignored either, though she has clearly been fragile and hard to train, she is included along with DEPLOY THE GETAWAY who has been sent here by Willie Mullins instead of the festival, presumably because this looked a better opportunity for him.
2:55
CERBERUS makes his first start for Augustine Leahy, and it is only 2-years ago that he placed in Grade 1 company over hurdles. If the change in yard can revive his form a mark of 130 could be very generous. PALACE ROCK won here 2-weeks ago and looks sure to go well again, as does TAKE ALL who was an unlucky 2nd in the same race.
3:30
This isn’t a particularly strong race so if the 5-year-old KASHI can match the form he showed when finishing 2nd at Fairyhouse last month, that could be enough to gain a first success. DERRIDAE also needs to be included. He won a race at Limerick 6-weeks ago and is best forgiven his last effort at Clonmel when the ground was bottomless.
4:05
JEREMYS FLAME is an admirably consistent mare and should go well again following on from her win at Thurles last time. She is likely to fight out the finish with WEST CORK WILDWAY who comes here instead of heading to Cheltenham next week.
4:40
A very strong renewal of the Leinster National. FRANCO DU PORT and CLASS CONTI bring graded form into the race for Willie Mullins and need to be respected. Whilst CHAMPAGNE PLATINUM and DEFI BLEU were eye-catching last time and look well treated at the weights.
