Frank Ward Memorial Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 14:01 | Winning time: 6m 14.40s

Arkwrisht^t²³⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Ricky Doyle| T: J F Levins| OR: 125

100/1

The gelding's form has taken a dive over the last couple of years and his poor recent completion rates creates a significant doubt about his ability to cope at this level; faces a very stern test on these terms.

Form: P0UF0-P

Bacardys²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 157| C| D

6/4

Ran really well behind an odds-on favourite in the Hattons Grace at Fairyhouse earlier in the month (last year's winner of this race Apple's Jade was third). The gelding has returned with a zest for the new campaign and helps set a good standard.

Form: 7F6-212

Dommage Pour Toi²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 140

14/1

Finished second in a beginners chase at Navan at the start of the month, which was an improvement on two previous races over fences. He's a Grade 2 winner in this sphere and its possible the switch to hurdles will rekindle his interest.

Form: 21-5F62

Killultagh Vic²⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-10| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 150| C| D

14/1

Fourth behind stable companion Bacardys at Fairyhouse last time but helped set a good tempo despite making a few mistakes along the way. Capable of holding his own but might have to settle for a supporting role to his younger stablemates.

Form: 3402-44

Penhill²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: R M Power| T: W P Mullins| OR: 158| D

5/1

Lacked race fitness when last in the Hatton's Grace but showed his class when winning the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham in March 2018 (Bacardys looked held when he fell at the final flight); a return to his best form would see him right in the mix.

Form: 11212/6

Unowhatimeanharry^p,t²⁹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-10| J: B J Geraghty| T: H Fry| OR: 153| D

8/1

Was 3L too good for Bacardys in the Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown back in May but has failed to reproduce twice since; not dismissed lightly here but possible age is catching up with the old boy and he's not the force he once was.

Form: F80-124

Apple's Jade^p1,t²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 157| CD

6/4

Won the last two renewals of this race but not at her best since she came up short in the Champion Hurdle back in March; was 4L behind Bacardys last time so needs to bounce back; but she's 4-4 at this course and the first-time cheekpieces will help.

Form: 163-523

Forecasts

Apple's Jade (6/4), Bacardys (6/4), Penhill (5/1), Unowhatimeanharry (8/1), Killultagh Vic (14/1), Dommage Pour Toi (14/1), Arkwrisht (100/1)

APPLE'S JADE is unbeaten at Leopardstown and can turn the tables on old rival Bacardys now she's back over a more appropriate trip and has the added assistance of cheekpieces to help her focus on the task in hand. She's a tough individual and this test of stamina will suit her ideally. 2018 Stayers Hurdle winner (at Cheltenham) Penhill is a high-class individual and can also be expected to be a lot sharper now he's got the benefit of a recent run behind him; he too can give the selection a scare along the way. The veteran Unowhatimeanharry might still have a big race within him but is only suggested as the best of the rest ion this occasion.