Unibet Morgiana Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 14:00 | Winning time: 4m 4.30s

Klassical Dream²⁰⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 160| CD

2/5

Unbeaten since joining yard which has won last eight renewals of this with three novice Grade 1's highlighting his superstar potential. Current champion hurdle favourite and fully expected to pass this test with flying colours.

Form: 4P/111-1

Petit Mouchoir^p⁴¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 152| CD

16/1

Won two Grade 1s in the 2016/17 season and was third in that season's champion hurdle. Only won once since (over fences) however and his recent 23L defeat in a very winnable Grade Three is further evidence that he may be regressive.

Form: 6304-44

Saldier³⁷¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 156| BF| CD

7/1

Grade 1 novice winner over C&D the season before last but only made the track once last term. In that race he fell when in with every chance of beating eventual champion hurdler Espoir D'Allen. No back number for champion trainer here.

Form: 1531/F-

Sharjah²⁴⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Mr P W Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 163| CD

7/2

Hacked up in this race a year ago as stable second string and followed up with another Grade 1 at Leopardstown before being brought down in the Champion. Sets the bar high for his younger stablemates.

Form: 31311B-

Yaha Fizz⁴⁶⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: M F Mooney| T: E D Delany| OR: 132| BF| D

100/1

Likable three time winner but here for some Grade 1 prizemoney and little more given he's 20lb inferior to the second lowest rated runner.

Form: 6729/03-

Forecasts

Klassical Dream (2/5), Sharjah (7/2), Saldier (7/1), Petit Mouchoir (16/1), Yaha Fizz (100/1)

Willie Mullins farms this race and with the likes of Nichols Canyon and Sharjah it isn't always the perceived first string that wins it for him. That said Supreme Novices winner KLASSICAL DREAM was an exceptional novice and he can take this first step into unrestricted company in his stride to enhance his Champion Hurdle credentials. Rich Ricci pair Sharjah and Saldier are the dangers with the aforementioned the most pertinent threat with his win in this race 12 months ago a performance of the highest order. Saldier is young enough to make up for lost time; he is a fascinating prospect.