Guinness Novice Hurdle

Off time: 16:21 | Winning time: 4m 52.40s

Doctor Duffy²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: D N Russell| T: C Byrnes

6/5

Won his first two starts over hurdles, and improved further when second to Peregrine Run at Cork last month, albeit no match for the cosy winner. Should still have more to offer, and shortlisted despite conceding weight.

Form: S21-112

Macgiloney¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: D G Hogan| T: D Hogan| OR: 130

14/1

Has won over 3m at Cork and Bellewstown in his nascent hurdling career, but put in his place in handicap company at Killarney last time, and others appear to have his measure again.

Form: P-71515

Ash Hill^h⁵⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: J J Slevin| T: J P O'Brien

6/1

Leopardstown bumper winner in December, and looked a bright prospect in new discipline when beating Robin des Sivola by an easy 7L at Punchestown (2½m) on hurdles bow. Could well be a fair bit better than that bare form.

Form: 5417-1

Popong⁵¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: H Morgan⁽⁷⁾| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 126

6/1

Full-sister to owner's point winner Thinklike A Shrink, and already of much higher standard under Rules, judged on wins at this trip over hurdles at Wexford and Roscommon. Beat a good yardstick in Cosmo's Moon last time, and not underestimated.

Form: 1-21

Foveros⁶⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| BF

3/1

Winner on the Flat in France for previous connections before getting off the mark on debut in a Cork maiden hurdle over 2m in May. Good second next time, and bred to stay, but quite a fizzy sort, so not certain to appreciate this longer trip.

Form: 12

Little Nugget⁶³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: D J Mullins| T: W P Mullins

10/1

Daughter of Daylami out of an Old Vic mare. Won on debut of a Wexford bumper in convincing style before running well in defeat on hurdling bow at Downpatrick. Didn't need to improve when winning at Limerick, but remains with potential.

Form: 13-1

Forecasts

Doctor Duffy (6/5), Foveros (3/1), Popong (6/1), Ash Hill (6/1), Little Nugget (10/1), Macgiloney (14/1)

A tricky contest. Doctor Duffy is the obvious one, although he's probably flattered to get so close to Peregrine Run last time, and a well-run race at this trip will suit the promising POPONG, who beate a useful sort in decent style last time, and may well be underestimated. Foveros is respected, but his latest second hasn't worked out brilliantly, and he's a free goer who isn't certain to be better suited by the step up in trip.