Gain (C & G) Maiden Hurdle

Shaped up well since switching codes for his current yard and has a bit of scope for improvement over the trip. Needed a bit of cut in the ground during his time on the Flat, so may need a bit of rain to bolster his claims. But has a touch more class than a few of the others and likely to be the one they all have to beat.

Two starts in point-to-points - the latest of which was encouraging. Bought cheaply afterwards, he now has to step things up considerably so may be best watched.

Dramatic improvement required if what he has shown so far is taken on face value. Today's dryer ground than he has previously encountered may be more to his liking though.

Hard to win with and has endured training issue over the last couple of years. Surprising if a repeat of his latest efforts were to be good enough.

Possible this new trip will bring about some improvement but still needs to work hard if he is to get one over on his old rival, Black Keys, who readily had his measure the last time they met.

Did well on the Flat for Sir Mark Prescott but unlike many that have followed this route, he doesn't appear to be loving his new endurance test over obstacles. 0-4 so far and very hard to see him altering that statistic in a positive manner today.

Cost just €1,000 and has shown little sign of ability in two point-to-points - overlooked for this his hurdling/rules debut.

Very modest level of form achieved in point-to-points and little to be taken from his debut over hurdles at Roscommon earlier this month. Being kept busy but hard to fancy just for the time being.

Hinted at ability on a couple of occasions and comes here on the back of arguably his best effort to date. More required and yard pretty quiet, but still noteworthy if supported in a weak event like this.

Hard to fancy on the evidence of his point-to-point debut run when pulled up a long way from home. Drop in trip may suit him better but still too much guesswork involved in giving him any sort of recommendation.

Claims on the best of his bumper form - won over this trip on good ground at Listowel, so obviously has the ability to hold his own when he is on song. Worrying that he was reported to have burst a blood vessel last time out; but decent claims if he is over those troubles.

Not finished in front of many rivals in starts so far and hard to envisage him being good enough to get off the mark here.

Fit from the Flat but also hinted that he can pay his way in this sphere. His effort to finish third behind subsequent Cheltenham hero Laibak reads particularly well and a repeat of that performance would see him right in the thick of the action.