McHale Pro Glide Hurdle

Off time: 17:30 | Winning time: 4m 0.2s

Stratum²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 145| D

1/6

Well touted on the Flat last season in the Ebor and the Cesarewitch, failing to trouble the judge on each occasion. Winner on hurdling debut 18 months ago the Dansili gelding ran well in defeat following a break at Punchestown earlier this month.

Form: 12/40-4

Soldier At War^t³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott

5/1

Showed plenty of potential on hurdling debut when winning at Sligo last month, getting the better of Castlebellingham in the shadows of the post. Appears to be living up to his £140,000 price tag.

Form: 2/20-1

Bluegrass Princess^p⁵⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-3| J: E O'Connell⁽⁷⁾| T: E O'Connell| OR: 108| CD

20/1

Off the mark for connections over hurdle when winning over C&D in August taking a maiden by 1L. Well held on return to action in March and needs to bounce back in a big way to have a say in this contest.

Form: 6UP5/14-

Martha Gail¹⁰¹⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 10-7| J: K Brogan⁽⁷⁾| T: John J Maguire

200/1

Four race maiden, without success in a couple of maiden hurdles when last seen three years ago. Form is below par and the High Chaparral mare is unlikely to be improving at her age.

Form: 0508/

Non-Runners

Hammerstein¹⁶

Weight: 11-7| Age: 5

T: G Elliott J: D F O'Regan

Forecasts

Stratum (1/6), Soldier At War (5/1), Hammerstein (5/1), Bluegrass Princess (20/1), Martha Gail (200/1)

With no early leader in the race it may be left to Davy Russell to dictate from the start on SOLDIER AT WAR, landing the opener in the process. The Soldier Hollow gelding stayed on impressively when getting off the mark at Sligo last month and can hold off the attentions of stablemate Hammerstein and likely warm order, the Willie Mullins-trained Stratum.