Thurles Racecourse Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

Off time: 15:01 | Winning time: 5m 23.9s

Articulum^t1³²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: D E Splaine| T: T O'Brien| BF

4/1

Developed in to a smart bumper in the 2015/16 season before winning his maiden hurdle at Cork in November. Better than his effort in the mud when pulled up here last month and his two Grade 1 entries at Cheltenham must be noted.

Form: 211/0-1P

Blow By Blow^b,t⁴⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: G Elliott| OR: 132

7/1

Appeared the step up to Grade 1 level was beyond him last time out when beaten 33L last month at Naas on soft to heavy ground. Worth a market check dropping in Grade.

Form: 1/1-3216

Gun Digger²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 131| C| D

7/2

Course winner who has won over this trip and proved his well-being last month when winning a Down Royal novice hurdle on heavy ground by 9L. Choice of the stable jockey and expected to continue improvement.

Form: 414431

Sympa Des Flos^h³²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 126

7/1

Ended a run of four consecutive second's when winning a maiden hurdle over 2m6f at Limerick in December and can be forgiven being pulled-up in bottomless ground here last month in a race won by Dortmund Park.

Form: 2/2221P

Not Many Left³³

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: R M Power| T: Mrs J Harrington| D

15/8

Point-to-point winner last April and has shown steady improvement all starts including his two hurdle starts winning last time out at Navan. Can be expected to improve again.

Form: 1-4351

Roaring Bull^p1⁷⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 133

8/1

Well beaten and generally no impression in three hurdle starts including last time out at Punchestown over 2m. Jockey booking and first-time cheekpieces make him interesting.

Form: 1-133

Forecasts

Not Many Left (15/8), Gun Digger (7/2), Articulum (4/1), Blow By Blow (7/1), Sympa Des Flos (7/1), Roaring Bull (8/1)

The improving NOT MANY LEFT can continue to improve on recent efforts here including a facile victory at Navan last month. The Gigginstown pair Gun Digger and Roaring Bull in first-time cheekpieces can hit the frame.