Limestone Lad Hurdle (Grade 3)

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 3m 52.50s

Espoir D'allen³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: B J Geraghty| T: G P Cromwell| OR: 155| CD

4/9

Got back in track with smooth C&D Grade 3 score in November and every bit as good over Christmas at Limerick (2m, soft). Will go on any ground and rates the one to beat in bid to make 7-8 over timber.

Form: 1114-11

Forge Meadow²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: R M Power| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 145| CD

9/1

C&D winner in 2017 and a Grade 3 winner over 2m on heavy going last season. Been chasing in the early part of this term and well held in 2m4f Leopardstown Grade 3 back hurdling at Christmas. Tough ask.

Form: PP-3244

Jarob⁷²

Age: 12| Weight: 11-1| J: M A Enright| T: G O'Loughlin| OR: 128

66/1

Veteran, has been mixing hurdles and chasing since joining current yard. Losing sequence stretches back October 2015 and would be a monumental shock if it is to be halted in this company.

Form: 734P43

Tombstone^t²⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 148| C| D

6/1

Another that is operating across both codes, winning over fences at Limerick in October. Defied odds of 66/1 when beating the likes of Samcro and Melon in Grade 1 Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown over this trip. Respected as a consequence.

Form: 6-51303

Wicklow Brave⁵⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 11-1| J: Ruby Walsh| T: W P Mullins| OR: 152| D

9/2

Three Flat wins in the summer backed up by easy hurdles success at Listowel. Had done it at the highest level in the past, but recent efforts in decent company leave a big cloud over him. Clear chance at his best.

Form: 213F47

Forecasts

Espoir D'allen (4/9), Wicklow Brave (9/2), Tombstone (6/1), Forge Meadow (9/1), Jarob (66/1)

ESPOIR D'ALLEN concedes weight here but his young legs may be up to it. He's come out fighting this season and landed Grade 3 wins over C&D and at Limerick with plenty spare to get his career firmly on track. Wicklow Brave would be the big danger on his best form, but his recent runs must rank as a major source of worry. Instead, Tombstone can chase home the selection having run so well in Grade 1 company at Leopardstown last month.