Ladbrokes Ireland Boyne Hurdle (Grade 2)

Off time: 14:21 | Winning time: 6m 4.8s

Bapaume¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: D J Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 153

6/4

Juvenile hurdler winner at the highest level at Punchestown and finishing third to Defi Du Seuil in the Triumph. Disappointed last time out in the Grade 1 Irish Champion hurdle earlier this month. Best form gives him a claim in this company.

Form: 231-238

Diamond Cauchois^t²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 143| C

4/6

Has made steady progress developing in to a solid graded campaigner of the future. Third of seven beaten 6½ behind Presenting Percy last month in the Grade 2 Galmoy here. Further improvement likely.

Form: P01-313

Lieutenant Colonel^b1,t²⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-3| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 141

10/1

Seasoned campaigner rated 156 in his pomp winning Grade 1's for Sandra Hughes. Not the force of old but will take advantage of any shortcomings from the main protagonists in first-time blinkers.

Form: P57-34P

Maggio^p,t⁴⁷

Age: 13| Weight: 11-3| J: A W Short| T: P Griffin| OR: 120

66/1

First-time cheekpieces unlikely to bring about any significant improvement for the Trempolino gelding here to pick up place money.

Form: 1/4504-4

Forecasts

Diamond Cauchois (4/6), Bapaume (6/4), Lieutenant Colonel (10/1), Maggio (66/1)

DIAMOND CAUCHOIS confirmed his continuing improvement and progress with a fine performance in the Grade 2 Galmoy hurdle here earlier this month behind Presenting Percy and can maintain his breakthrough in this contest. The Willie Mullins-trained Bapaume can be considered better than his last run in the Irish Champion hurdle and can perform worthier here.