Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Novice Hurdle

Quite a trappy four-runner contest to begin proceedings and it would be foolish to write off any of the quartet. The nod is given to BALTAZAR D'ALLIER as much on his Newbury second as his maiden success at Naas. His run behind Messire Des Obeaux in the Challow on New Year's Eve reads well given that rival finished third in the Neptune this week and he can get back to winning ways in this. Augustin made a winning debut and won't go down without a fight as the champion trainer seeks to strike a blow back on home soil after shedding his title at Cheltenham. Clara Sorrento should be capable of better now he's won and Monbeg Notorious is also a worthy contender despite an odds-on reverse at Cork last time out.

1. Baltazar D'allier
2. Augustin
3. Clara Sorrento