BetVictor Casino 'Monksfield' Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

Off time: 12:10 | Winning time: 5m 24.3s

Champagne Gold²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead

18/1

Much improved when winning 11-runner novice hurdle at Wexford (16.7f, heavy, 5/4) 28 days ago. Should progress further up in trip.

Form: P/42-21

Fakiera¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Keith Donoghue| T: G Elliott

4/1

15/8, improved when winning 14-runner novice hurdle at Fairyhouse (16f, heavy) 19 days ago, coming in for a strong ride from Kennedy. Up in trip. More needed but could be up to it.

Form: 4/4222-1

Farouk D'Alene²³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott

1/1

2/9, won 9-runner novice hurdle at Down Royal (22f, soft) on hurdles bow 23 days ago, kept up to work. More to come and can remain unbeaten.

Form: 1/11-1

Fire Attack²⁷³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Mark Walsh| T: J P O'Brien

7/1

Useful winner at 18f in bumpers. Head second of 5 to Farouk D'alene in bumper at Naas (15.8f, soft, 9/4) when last seen. Off 9 months. Makes hurdles debut. Up in trip. Good hurdles prospect.

Form: 12-

Lieutenant Command²⁸

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

10/3

13/8, won 9-runner novice hurdle at Galway (20.7f, heavy) on hurdles bow 28 days ago, staying on well. Should improve, looking like he'll be a real stayer.

Form: F/13-1

Botani¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: Brian Hayes| T: Colm Murphy| OR: 122| BF

28/1

6/4, good second of 13 in novice hurdle at Thurles (16f, soft) 17 days ago. Up in trip. Will do well to open hurdles account in this Grade 3.

Form: 4764-22

X' Girl³⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: J M Moore| T: A McCann

300/1

Fair maiden on the Flat. Mountain to climb on hurdles debut.

Form:

Forecasts

Farouk D'Alene (1/1), Lieutenant Command (10/3), Fakiera (4/1), Fire Attack (7/1), Champagne Gold (18/1), Botani (28/1), X' Girl (300/1)

FAROUK D'ALENE looks another top prospect for Gordon Elliott, who has a good record in this race, and he can remain unbeaten. Gigginstown could well enjoy a 1-2-3, with Lieutenant Command and Fire Attack solid contenders. Champagne Gold has more to offer in this sphere also.