Join Our 2019 Members Club From Just 150 Rated Novice Hurdle

Off time: 12:21 | Winning time: 3m 57.80s

Due Reward²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-1| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 124| D

5/2

Won twice in the summer before falling when in front next. Only beaten 1L here last time in a handicap when giving 8lb to the winner. All above form on good ground so conditions a doubt but surprise if he doesn't go close.

Form: 0-411F2

Minella Times⁶³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-1| J: N P Madden| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 124| D

10/1

Kilbeggan maiden hurdle winner finished fourth next in a novice hurdle and sixth most recently in a handicap. Owner retained rider prefers Ballyneety and rightly so on evidence so far.

Form: F/4-147

Ballyneety^t¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Mark Walsh| T: J P O'Brien| D

1/1

Only beaten 4½L into third behind Grade Two winner/Grade One second Blackbow on debut in a bumper and made a winning start over hurdles at Gowran when cosily winning a 19-runner maiden. Grade One entered and looks a smart prospect.

Form: 3-1

Rock Road²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Brian Hayes| T: M J Bowe| OR: 112| D

16/1

Off the mark at the 12th time of asking, eighth hurdle, latest when winning a Fairyhouse maiden in determined fashion. That form not far off the principals but they surely can improve more given relative experience.

Form: 5P29-51

Count Simon^b¹²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 124

5/1

Downpatrick novice winner has been consistent on the whole since with a couple of seconds in next four races. All form to date over hurdles on good ground but won on heavy on the level so could appreciate juice in the ground.

Form: 214225

Forecasts

Ballyneety (1/1), Due Reward (5/2), Count Simon (5/1), Minella Times (10/1), Rock Road (16/1)

BALLYNEETY looks a useful prospect and won under hands and heels at Gowran Park last time out in the manner of a novice destined for bigger things. This can be used as a stepping stone to bigger things in a race his trainer won last year. Dual hurdles scorer Due Reward probably sets the standard on what he's achieved so far and looks the biggest danger while Count Simon must improve but could do so now on more testing ground.