I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle

Off time: 13:40 | Winning time: 5m 41.70s

Multifactorial²⁰¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| C

5/4

Progressive in bumpers last term, although didn't need to improve when off the mark here in March. Will appreciate this increased test of stamina now hurdling, and looks the pick of a pair from top stable here.

Form: 6/24221-

Ya Boy Ya¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr J W Kenny⁽⁷⁾| T: C Bowe| C

9/4

Bumper winner here on racecourse debut, and better effort over hurdles when a good ½L second of 13 to Roseriver Has in a 2m3f maiden here late last month. Sets the standard for others to match.

Form: 23-1122

Hell Or High Water¹⁵⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Sean Flanagan| T: N Meade

25/1

Brother to winning hurdler Robin Thyme, but jumped erratically when a modest sixth of 9 on his hurdles debut at Bellewstown in May. Likely to leave that bare form behind in time, but others preferred now.

Form: 6

Stones And Roses²⁰⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins

6/1

Has run badly on two of his four starts, but showed what he's capable of when second of 11 to An Fraoch Mor in a 2m maiden hurdle at Wexford last time. Longer trip will suit on pedigree, and holds every chance if in same form.

Form: 0602-

Three Is Company^b¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 101

12/1

Gradually progressive in novice hurdles, his best effort when a front-running 8 lengths third of 8 to Nibblers Charm over 2m5½f here last time, although did have the run of things. Fair bit more required now.

Form: 573343

Bay Ambition¹¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: J M Moore| T: G P Cromwell

8/1

Pulled-up on Rules bow for Robert Tyner, but much improved on debut for current yard when third of 14 to Well Set Up in a mares maiden at Roscommon. This is tougher, but she's likely to improve further and is worthy of respect.

Form: 1/P-3

Bitofalright²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: A W Short⁽³⁾| T: P Croke

66/1

Won a maiden point, but last on sole bumper start (also disqualified to add insult to injury), and tailed off on both starts over hurdles. Her future lies in low-grade handicaps after another run.

Form: 1D00

Forecasts

Multifactorial (5/4), Ya Boy Ya (9/4), Stones And Roses (6/1), Bay Ambition (8/1), Three Is Company (12/1), Hell Or High Water (25/1), Bitofalright (66/1)

YA BOY YA and Stones And Roses set the standard, and the former looks more reliable at this stage, so gets the verdict. Multifactorial was gradually progressive in bumpers, and is the type to do well granted a test of stamina over hurdles, so looks a danger to all at the first attempt.