Herald Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 16:20 | Winning time: 4m 0.9s

Aramon²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: D J Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 148| BF| D

9/1

Grade 1 winner at Leopardstown in December, and just touched off by Klassical Dream there in February. Better than bare result in Supreme, and back in the groove when runner-up to Felix Desjy in Top Novices' Hurdle at Aintree.

Form: 131262

Champagne Platinum¹²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Mark Walsh| T: N J Henderson| OR: 140| D

16/1

Has looked a good prospect in winning both starts over hurdles, at Newcastle and Newbury. Had a small setback subsequently, but remains with plenty of untapped potential in this sphere, for all he has plenty to find on bare form.

Form: 1-11

Felix Desjy^h²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 151| CD

11/2

Taken time to get his act together over hurdles, but much improved this spring, building on solid effort in Supreme by winning G1 novice at Aintree from Aramon. Will continue to give a good account.

Form: 752151

Klassical Dream⁴⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Ruby Walsh| T: W P Mullins| OR: 157| D

8/13

In frame in Grade 1 company in France as a juvenile, and much improved to win all three for current yard, culminating in an impressive win in the Supreme Novices' at Cheltenham last month. Sets the bar high.

Form: 24P-111

Mister Blue Sky²³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 144| D

16/1

Useful at up to 1½m for Sylvester Kirk, and has won three from four over hurdles, most recently proving ¾L too strong for Cash Back at Fairyhouse. Has more to offer, although taking on stiff company here.

Form: 121

Quick Grabim¹⁴⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 148| D

7/1

Second-season novice who has won three of his four starts this term, most recently when making all in the Grade 1 Royal Bond at Fairyhouse in December. Sidelined with a setback since, but merits respect on comeback.

Form: 2F-1141

Forecasts

Klassical Dream (8/13), Felix Desjy (11/2), Quick Grabim (7/1), Aramon (9/1), Mister Blue Sky (16/1), Champagne Platinum (16/1)

KLASSICAL DREAM has got the better of Aramon on his last two starts, and ought to do so again given how the margin of his dominance increased at Cheltenham, and he also holds Felix Desjy on the form of his impressive Supreme win. That pair still appear the main dangers, although Champagne Platinum is an intriguing runner fro the all-powerful Nicky Henderson stable.