Paddy Power Betting Shop Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)

Off time: 15:01 | Winning time: 3m 47.00s

Belfast Banter^t²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Kevin Sexton| T: Peter Fahey| OR: 124

6/1

Off mark over hurdles in 2m maiden at Galway in October and again looked like he might get more involved at one point when fading into sixth in novice at Musselburgh 3 weeks ago. Cannot be ruled out.

Form: 531256

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Desir Du Large^t⁸²⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: J P O'Brien

40/1

Stepped up on previous form to get off the mark on first outing since leaving M. F. Morris in a Fairyhouse bumper back in December 2018. Off since but should prove as effective back over hurdles.

Form: 85201/

Mighty Tom³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: B J Cooper| T: T Cooper| OR: 121

28/1

Fairly useful hurdler. Winner in hurdle at Galway in October. 28/1, let down by jumping when fourth of 7 in minor event hurdle at Navan (17.6f, heavy) 30 days ago.

Form: 8313P4

Streets Of Doyen^p1¹²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Simon Torrens| T: J C McConnell| OR: 135

14/1

Useful hurdler who arrives on a five-timer having landed a 6-runner novice hurdle at Cheltenham (24f, soft) back in October. Looks sure to put up another bold showing with first-time cheekpieces on.

Form: U31111

Jesse Evans⁶³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Sean Flanagan| T: N Meade| OR: 128

5/1

Lightly-raced winner under NH rules. 2 wins from 5 runs this season. 28½ lengths seventh of 9 to Appreciate It in Future Champions Novices' Hurdle at Leopardstown (16f, soft, 40/1) 63 days ago.

Form: 311U7

Razzle Dazzle Love^t²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: Darragh O'Keeffe| T: T Gibney| OR: 126

11/4

Fairly useful hurdler. 2 wins from 6 runs this season. Latest win in hurdle at Punchestown in December. Creditable sixth of 20 in handicap hurdle (16/1) at Leopardstown (18f, soft) 21 days ago.

Form: 107136

Echoes In Rain^h⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| C

11/8

Fairly useful on the Flat and matched that form at the second attempt over hurdles when winning novice at Naas (2m, heavy) in December. Pulled hard but ran at least as well in Grade 2 last time.

Form: 5-14

Forecasts

Echoes In Rain (11/8), Razzle Dazzle Love (11/4), Jesse Evans (5/1), Belfast Banter (6/1), Streets Of Doyen (14/1), Mighty Tom (28/1), Desir Du Large (40/1)

STREETS OF DOYEN continues to go from strength to strength for John McConnell and he's taken to complete an impressive 5-timer having made the most of another good opportunity at Cheltenham back in October. This represents a step up in grade but he can take it in his stride. Echoes In Rain rates as the main threat if she can learn to settle, with Razzle Dazzle Love next on the list.