Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle (Grade 3)

Off time: 19:20 | Winning time: 3m 51.40s

Band of Outlaws⁹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-1| J: J J Slevin| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 145| BF| D

6/4

Smart hurdler; Improved all season before readily landing a valuable Grade 3 contest at the Cheltenham Festival. Below par on final start when sent off favourite at the Aintree Festival. Goes well fresh and clearly the one they all have to beat.

Form: 31115-

Plinth^b,t¹⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: N P Madden| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 128| CD

12/1

Has been novice chasing of late and won on his latest racecourse appearance at Kilbeggan earlier this month. Won this race two years ago and clearly enjoys it around here. Certainly one to consider.

Form: 0080-U1

Thomas Hobson¹⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 150| D

1/1

Last seen out when trailing in the rear in the Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup. Had previously shown his well being when runner-up in a Group 2 event at Hoppegarten. Has not raced over hurdles for two years but was quite smart. Interesting contender.

Form: 39P017/

Tombstone^t⁷³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 143| D

8/1

Possibly out of his depth last time out at Fairyhouse in a Grade 2 contest having previously won well at Leopardstown. Not totally out of it on the best of his form but others look stronger.

Form: 033615-

Like An Open Book³⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 10-7| J: Sean Flanagan| T: J M Burke| OR: 119| D

33/1

Well beaten in his last three starts and an unlikely winner given the gulf off class he is below these opponents.

Form: 33F5-55

Forecasts

Thomas Hobson (1/1), Band of Outlaws (6/4), Tombstone (8/1), Plinth (12/1), Like An Open Book (33/1)

BAND OF OUTLAWS goes well after a break and if capable of showing the form that saw him win well at the Cheltenham Festival in March then he will be difficult to beat. Thomas Hobson is an interesting contender but whether he can win this type of contest after such a long break from hurdles remains to be seen. Plinth loves it around this track and will surely take advantage if either of the two leading selections fail to run their race.