W.t. O'grady Memorial E.B.F. Novice Hurdle

Off time: 13:10 | Winning time: 6m 0.40s

Electric Concorde²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: D J Mullins| T: J H Culloty| OR: 135

12/1

Gamely held on over three-miles at Leopardstown last month, takes a jump in the ratings for that but sets standard for others here despite drop in trip.

Form: 4-12134

Battleford²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Ruby Walsh| T: W P Mullins

6/5

Convincing maiden hurdle winner over 2m4f at Leopardstown last month having disappointed on hurdles bow. Respected for trainer that has farmed this race in the past.

Form: 2-41228

Some Neck²³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins

9/2

Easily opened his account first time over hurdles at Limerick last month. Much to like about that but stable jockey has plumped for Battleford here.

Form: 222-42

The Storyteller²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott

5/2

Took his chance decisively at Down Royal over 2m4f last month, steps up in trip here but merits respect for trainer that took this prize a year ago.

Form: 24-21F2

Billy's Hope^t²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: R M Power| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 126

12/1

Weighted to close the gap on Electric Concorde now but that rival likely to have his measure again here.

Form: 316420-

Wishmoor^t³²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: B J Foley⁽⁷⁾| T: M F Morris

33/1

Out of his comfort zone in Navan Grade Two latest, this more like it and has some hope on maiden hurdle showing at Naas in November. Needs a career best effort.

Form: 353615-

Non-Runners

Brightest Flame¹⁸

Weight: 11-5| Age: 6

T: N Meade J: Sean Flanagan

Forecasts

Battleford (6/5), The Storyteller (5/2), Some Neck (9/2), Brightest Flame (10/1), Billy's Hope (12/1), Electric Concorde (12/1), Wishmoor (33/1)

BATTLEFORD fluffed his lines on debut over hurdles but got it right second time out at Leopardstown over Christmas. He steps up in trip here and can continue winning ways as he learns his trade over jumps. The Storyteller could not have been more impressive in his Limerick romp latest and is greatly respected for his in-form trainer while Some Neck also impressed with his Limerick success over Christmas. A 7lbs hike asks a big questions of Leopardstown handicap winner Electric Concorde against some potentially smart rivals now, while Brightest Flame will find this much tougher than his Tramore win on New Year's Day. 1. Battleford 2. The Storyteller 3. Some Neck