WKD Rated Hurdle

Off time: 14:47 | Winning time: 4m 36.70s

Count Simon^b¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 128| C

6/4

Ready winner on good ground here last summer over shorter, no problems with this trip and has been in good heart lately without getting head in front. Should be there or thereabouts when it matters.

Form: 532232

Andratx^t⁶⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Mark Walsh| T: M M McNiff| OR: 125| CD

8/1

Loves it here, with all three hurdles win coming at the track, two over C&D. Should be wiser for recent return at Fairyhouse and firmly considered now.

Form: 91/112-0

Kuiper Belt^t²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 123

20/1

Enjoying a typically productive season for Gordon Elliott, with three wins over timber and two on the Flat. Can be competitive again.

Form: 11D169

Laverteen¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Sean Flanagan| T: N Meade| OR: 123

7/2

Was behind runner-up Count Simon at Naas recently (close fifth) and can likely finish as close or better to that rival this afternoon.

Form: 402-155

Western Boy^b1,t1²⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-5| J: J S McGarvey| T: P A Fahy| OR: 123

14/1

Capable hurdler on his day, but not showing his best form lately and blinkers/tongue tie are reached for now in bid to spark him into life.

Form: 50-7050

Slippery Serpent⁸⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Paul Townend| T: E J O'Grady| OR: 122| CD

11/4

Was poor at Leopardstown over Christmas when last spotted in a competitive handicap (pulled up once beaten), but is 2-2 at this track, including a C&D maiden hurdle (also won a bumper here). Not to be overlooked.

Form: 46-213P

Forecasts

Count Simon (6/4), Slippery Serpent (11/4), Laverteen (7/2), Andratx (8/1), Western Boy (14/1), Kuiper Belt (20/1)

Count Simon has been consistent without winning of late and the previous course winner should go well again here but he might do well shipping 6lb to SLIPPERY SERPENT. Paul Townend's mount is 2-2 at this track previously and can be forgiven his Leopardstown run at Christmas. Off a break, he should relish this. Andratx is another that loves the track and is now ripe after a spin around Fairyhouse.