John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle (Grade 2)

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 6m 8.60s

Apple's Jade^p,t²⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 157| D

11/8

Completed at hat.trick in her favourite race a Leopardstown last time out where she seemed to be back to her best after below par runs at Fairyhouse and Navan earlier in the winter; leading chance especially if jumping better.

Form: 63-5231

Benie Des Dieux²⁵⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-3| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 157

1/1

Makes seasonal reappearance but sets the standard in this contest with her last two victories coming in Grade 1 contests at Punchestown and Auteil ( a last flight fall cost her the chance at Cheltenham), looks the one to beat.

Form: 111/F-11

Death Duty⁷⁵⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-3| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: G Elliott| OR: 144

20/1

Was a top class novice hurdler in his day but has had problems after proving himself a very useful chaser; returns here from over a two year absence from the racecourse and difficult to assess.

Form: U3111F/

Killultagh Vic²⁶

Age: 11| Weight: 11-3| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 148| D

25/1

Capable of holding his own but might have to settle for a supporting role to his younger rivals; usually helps to set the pace in races these days..

Form: 402-445

Penhill²⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-3| J: R M Power| T: W P Mullins| OR: 155| D

8/1

Yet to hit the form he showed back in 2018 when he showed himself to be a very classsy racehorse by winning at the Cheltenham Festival; yet to hit those heights this terms but should run better than recent efforts.

Form: 1212/63

Mary Frances²⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 10-10| J: Sean Flanagan| T: M Hassett| OR: 126

100/1

Has placed twice two times this season but looks out of her depth in this contest.

Form: 396-227

Non-Runners

Gardens of Babylon²⁵

Weight: 10-13| Age: 5

T: J P O'Brien J: Mark Walsh

Forecasts

Benie Des Dieux (1/1), Apple's Jade (11/8), Penhill (8/1), Gardens of Babylon (12/1), Death Duty (20/1), Killultagh Vic (25/1), Mary Frances (100/1)

Grade 1 winner BENIE DES DIEUX should have too much for her rivals and can take this race on route to Cheltenham She was an unlucky loser at the Festival last season and victory would have seen her start this race looking for an incredible six Grade 1 wins on the bounce. Apple's Jade looks to be her only serious rival and she threw down a gauntlet with an impressive victory in a Grade 1 event at Leopardstown in December. A repeat of that effort should see her giving the selection most to do. Penhill has not been at his very best of late but may be coming slowly to hand once again. He has plenty of talent and should go close but only if running up to his very best.