Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)

Off time: 14:55 | Winning time: 3m 54.1s

Felix Desjy¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Sean Flanagan| T: G Elliott| OR: 135| CD

11/4

High class bumper performer made an impressive winning hurdles debut at Galway. Flopped next as favourite and after fifth in a Grade Three he was second latest in a lesser contest at Limerick. More needed but still possible.

Form: 65-1752

Harrie³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Ruby Walsh| T: W P Mullins

9/2

Lightly raced given his age but showed true potential with first win at Tramore last time where he displayed a really likable attitude as he got off the mark in a maiden hurdle on heavy ground. Connections won this last year so respected.

Form: 2/2-1

Jan Maat¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 120| BF| D

25/1

Won a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle in first start over timber before finishing second at Wexford under a penalty and latest sixth of 17 in a Leopardstown handicap. More needed but represents bang in form trainer.

Form: 26-2126

Jetez¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: R M Power| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 136| D

4/1

Certainly has the experience edge having run 10 times over hurdles, winning twice. Latest success in a 17-runner Leopardstown handicap took form again to new level and must be respected for yard who would no doubt love to win this race.

Form: 4-15421

Swordsman¹²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott

13/2

Built on promise of Fairyhouse second on hurdles debut when a hugely impressive winner there last time out. Looks a horse of serious potential and has to be highly respected here.

Form: 6-21

Buildmeupbuttercup³⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| D

9/4

Classy bumper performer made a winning stable and hurdles debut last month in a 29-runner Navan maiden. Won on good ground there so surface will suit better than many and with all the weight concessions she has a big chance.

Form: 1215-1

Forecasts

Buildmeupbuttercup (9/4), Felix Desjy (11/4), Jetez (4/1), Harrie (9/2), Swordsman (13/2), Jan Maat (25/1)

A tricky contest this but a chance is taken on Willie Mullins' supposed second string in BUILDMEUPBUTTERCUP. The mare showed smart bumper form for Mick Channon and made a winning start over hurdles on similar ground at Navan which will serve her well, with all of the weight on her side she gets the vote in an open enough contest. Swordsman may prove the pick of the Gigginstown trio despite being the least experienced and Gordon Elliott's five-year-old couldn't have been much more impressive last time out. Harrie must be respected with Ruby Walsh in the saddle as the apparent Mullins first string but there is clearly little between them so far.