Ballygarry House Hotel Novice Hurdle

Off time: 16:50 | Winning time: 5m 18.6s

Darver Star²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: J M Moore| T: G P Cromwell| OR: 145| D

1/1

Comes here on a hat-trick following wins at Downpatrick and more recently over 2m1f in a Killarney handicap hurdle last month off a 12lb lower mark. In the form of his life and big penalty may not be enough to halt progress.

Form: 4316-11

Doctor Duffy^p1¹²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: K J Brouder⁽⁵⁾| T: C Byrnes| OR: 133| BF| D

3/1

Solid and consistent winner of a maiden and a novice hurdle in the spring. Frustrating in a number of starts last month including when 'running out' at Down Royal when still in contention. Leading player in first-time cheekpieces.

Form: 11242R

Ash Hill⁴¹

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

5/1

Bumper winner in December before landing a 23-runner Punchestown maiden hurdle over a similar trip in June. Well held in novice company since and needs to bounce back.

Form: 5417-16

Born By The Sea¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Mr L P Gilligan⁽⁷⁾| T: P J Gilligan

13/2

Off the mark at the third time of asking when winning a Killarney 2m1f maiden hurdle on good ground last month. Could be a little vulnerable in this company.

Form: F31

Think Positive^h²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins

10/1

Won on hurdling debut at Tramore last month, beating 12 rivals 3¼L over 2m on yielding to soft ground. The manner of the win left the impression there was more to come from the Jeremy gelding.

Form: 40/291

Forecasts

Darver Star (1/1), Doctor Duffy (3/1), Ash Hill (5/1), Born By The Sea (13/2), Think Positive (10/1)

If repeating similar tactics, the Kalanisi gelding, DARVER STAR can complete a hat-trick of wins following success at Downpatrick and Killarney last month. The seven-year-old's front-running style could be too much for his rivals as distance winner, Doctor Duffy , Tramore winner, Think Positive and the Joseph O'Brien-trained, Ash Hill compete for remaining prize money.