Ladbrokes Where The Nation Plays Hurdle

Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 4m 37.9s

Coko Beach¹⁶⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 11-2| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 135

5/2

Won well on his sole start in France and improved from yard debut finishing behind Band Of Outlaws at Naas and in the Grade 3 Fred Winter at Cheltenham . Out of his depth on final start of last season in Grade 1 event; this is more his level.

Form: 1932-5

Bothar Dubh¹⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Liam Quinlan⁽⁷⁾| T: D Queally| OR: 131| D

9/10

Has been in splendid form of late and will come into the race full of confidence; this is a fair step up in class and while he is expected tp run his usual solid race, might find a few too good.

Form: 1U-3112

Dysios^t,v1³⁸⁹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-0| J: Ricky Doyle⁽³⁾| T: D Cullen| OR: 126

50/1

Off over a year since pulled up over hurdles at Ballinrobe; would be surprising if he is anywhere near the standard to beat some of these smart rivals.

Form: 935P/0P-

Kasakh Noir²⁹⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Liam McKenna⁽⁷⁾| T: J J Lambe| OR: 130| D

20/1

Only had the eight starts but has been difficult to train and now starts out for new yard. This is his first run in ten months, and although he has a decent record fresh, it is hard to know what to expect from him.

Form: 1316/53-

Play The Game^h³³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: D J McInerney| T: J C McConnell| OR: 135

10/3

The future looked promising following a win Listowel in June but never got on terms under a penalty at Galway in August (had excuses) but disappointed at Killarney later the same month; warmed up for this with fair effort on the Flat last month.

Form: 417-107

Forecasts

Bothar Dubh (9/10), Coko Beach (5/2), Play The Game (10/3), Kasakh Noir (20/1), Dysios (50/1)

COKO BEACH looks to have the race at his mercy if fit after a long break. His form is well above his rivals and this looks an easy opportunity to get back to winning ways (has not won since racing in France). Bothar Dubh will have his supporters and has a reasonable chance if using his fitness to his advantage but has plenty to find on official figures from the selection. Kasakh Noir would have been a strong favourite for this race three years ago but he has had his share of training problems and is difficult to back with confidence.