Istabraq Hurdle (Grade 3)

Off time: 15:26 | Winning time: 4m 7.40s

Ivan Grozny^h³⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 150| CD

7/1

Won this last year (under Ruby Walsh) but form dipped afterwards. Never a factor when tried on the Flat in the Ebor at York but will at least have been sharpened up by the outing and will be ready for a crack at retaining his crown.

Form: 1156-3B

Coquin Mans^h¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Ruby Walsh| T: W P Mullins| D

7/2

Arrives here with an unblemished record and looks versatile regarding the trip and ground (two wins over 3m but no issues with the minimum distance either). Jockey bookings suggest he is the preferred option from his yard, so respected accordingly.

Form: 1/1-11

Jer's Girl⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: B J Geraghty| T: G P Cromwell| OR: 143| D

9/4

Confidence boosted by a win on the Flat at Roscommon (1m4f) at the start of this week, which bodes very well for the return to Jumps. Has solid form to her name and she will be a tough nut to crack now she is reunited with her regular pilot.

Form: 51/125F-

Forge Meadow^h1¹⁵⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: R M Power| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 136| D

12/1

Won a weak Grade 2 in February but came up short when tried in Festival races subsequently. Time on her side and likely she will continue to pay her way but this may be out of reach just now.

Form: 152184-

Jezki¹⁶⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: Mark Walsh| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 156| BF| D

6/1

Admirable campaigner with the most enviable record on show; but was a major let down when 6/5f on his latest start and the cracks are starting to appear. This is far from the toughest test he's faced but he does have a bit to prove just now.

Form: 11/1285-

Ex Patriot¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-10| J: D N Russell| T: Miss Ellmarie Holden| OR: 143| D

3/1

Made good strides last season and will at least be suited by the trip and ground. Only a respectable effort on reappearance at Listowel latest and more required in this company.

Form: 15D43-3

Forecasts

Jer's Girl (9/4), Ex Patriot (3/1), Coquin Mans (7/2), Jezki (6/1), Ivan Grozny (7/1), Forge Meadow (12/1)

It may be worth sticking with JER'S GIRL, who goes very well for Barry Geraghty and can be expected to be fit and ready after her win on the Flat on Monday. Jezki can never be ruled out at this level but has a bit to prove after a disappointing effort last time out, so the improving Coquin Mans could be the biggest threat today. This is his toughest assignment yet but it's entirely feasible that he can rise to the challenge. so has to be feared as a live danger.