Maddens Bar & Restaurant Handicap Hurdle (80-116)

Off time: 15:14 | Winning time: 3m 49.20s

Back Bar^p¹⁰⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 112| D

3/1

Got off the mark for leading connections at ninth time of asking winning a Clonmel handicap hurdle off an 8lb lower mark. Beaten since but expected to go well here on seasonal debut.

Form: 443319-

Afatcat^p,t³⁴³

Age: 10| Weight: 11-11| J: Paul Townend| T: S J Mahon| OR: 111| D

12/1

Inconsistent sort who can run his race with conditions to suit. Likely to need the run here and appears to need some relief from the handicapper.

Form: 0/32859-

Tree Of Knowledge^t³³²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: J S McGarvey| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 107| BF

4/1

Beaten favourite for leading owner when last seen in a Tramore maiden hurdle in August. Market likely to be the best guide on return to the track.

Form: 0033/53-

Presenting Mahler²⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: Danny Mullins| T: J P Ryan| OR: 103| C| D

3/1

Failed to build on a promising second of nine beaten 2¾L in a Ballinrobe handicap hurdle finishing well down the field on two occasions last month. Looks opposable.

Form: 8-37208

Black Benny^t²³

Age: 13| Weight: 11-2| J: Robbie Colgan| T: P Maher| OR: 102| D

16/1

Popular veteran who has not won for two years who now races 9lb lower than last winning mark. Expected to find it tough going here.

Form: 61P-556

Mr Moondance⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-7| J: Mr C J Orr⁽⁷⁾| T: M M McNiff| OR: 93| BF| D

5/2

Distance winner who was beaten favourite in a Wexford handicap hurdle well held by Naturally Blonde earlier this month. Vast improvement needed to figure.

Form: 348-836

Non-Runners

House Limit¹

Weight: 9-10| Age: 9

T: J Larkin J: C D Maxwell

Forecasts

Mr Moondance (5/2), Presenting Mahler (3/1), Back Bar (3/1), Tree Of Knowledge (4/1), Afatcat (12/1), Black Benny (16/1), House Limit (20/1)

The Gordon Elliott-trained BACK BAR can get back to winning ways here dropping down in trip following the geldings struggle in novice company in April over 2m4f. Distance winner Mr Moondance is waiting to recapture his form of last season and can battle for a place here along with Presenting Mahler.