Ryanair Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 14:31 | Winning time: 3m 55.0s

Melon²⁴⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Ruby Walsh| T: W P Mullins| OR: 165| CD

7/2

For all he has achieved it is surprising the only Graded contest he has won was a sub-standard event at Down Royal. His neck second in the Champion Hurdle last March rates the best piece of form and he has won on his last two seasonal bows.

Form: 2/1352F-

Petit Mouchoir²⁴⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 158| CD

7/1

Took this in 2016 and followed up in the Irish Champion Hurdle. Went chasing last year having finished third to Buveur D'Air in the 2017 Champion Hurdle. Early odds of 33/1 look disrespectful.

Form: 3/12324-

Samcro²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 163| BF| CD

6/4

The outstanding novice of last season but the sense of invincibility has been replaced by caution following two defeats this term. Plausible excuses have been cited but pacemakers and some juice in the ground remove those doubts from this equation.

Form: 111F-22

Sharjah⁴¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Mr P W Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 156| D

6/1

Galway Hurdle winner but likely just shy of top-class over 2m. No match for Bedrock and a sub-standard Samcro at Down Royal, before benefitting from a poor run by Faugheen to land the Morgiana.

Form: 46-3131

Supasundae²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: R M Power| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 164| CD

7/2

Landed the Champion Hurdles here and at Punchestown last term. Will improve on his Fairyhouse return but ideally needs a deluge of rain to challenge at this level over this trip.

Form: 21221-2

Tombstone^t²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 142| D

66/1

Held by Sharjah and Bedrock on current form and his latest run was a backward step. Possible pacemaker for Samcro and Petit Mouchoir.

Form: 26-5130

Non-Runners

Bedrock⁵⁷

Weight: 11-10| Age: 5

T: I Jardine J: Rachael Blackmore

Forecasts

Samcro (6/4), Supasundae (7/2), Melon (7/2), Sharjah (6/1), Petit Mouchoir (7/1), Bedrock (12/1), Tombstone (66/1)

Gordon Elliott won this 12 months ago with Mick Jazz and it was the fact SAMCRO had been reportedly working well with that stablemate which saw him go off favourite for the Fighting Fifth. On the day he set a modest pace and was a sitting duck for Buveur D'Air. The presence of Tombstone and Petit Mouchoir should see a more honest gallop and he can take care of Melon who has often found one too good at this level, but who has a good record when fresh. Supasundae will be waiting in the wings for the fancied pair to falter in what is an intriguing renewal of this contest.