Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 18:00 | Winning time: 5m 8.5s

Ashdale Bob²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: R M Power| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 146| D

7/2

Misfired in the Leopardstown Grade 1 won by Gaillard Du Mesnil, but back on track when edging out Decimation at Fairyhouse (2½m, good to soft) last time. Looks set for minor honours here, though.

Form: 5-11F91

Gaillard Du Mesnil^h⁴⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 150| D

1/2

French import who has made rapid progress over hurdles, easy winner of a Grade 1 in February. Another step forward when second to Bob Olinger at Cheltenham, but that rival may again prove too strong.

Form: 22-2112

Ganapathi⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: B J Cooper| T: W P Mullins| OR: 137

15/2

Useful novice who wasn't disgraced when fifth to stablemate Gaillard Du Mesnil in a Leopardstown Grade 1 on penultimate start. Failed to build on that in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, though.

Form: 1250

N'Golo^h,t⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: D E Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 136

12/1

Quickly made up in to a useful hurdler, landing Grade 3 at Navan (2m) in November. However, limitations seemingly exposed since and it's hard to envisage him playing a leading role in this contest.

Form: 113909

Non-Runners

Bob Olinger⁴⁴

Weight: 11-12| Age: 6

T: H De Bromhead J: Rachael Blackmore

Decimation²

Weight: 11-12| Age: 6

T: H De Bromhead J: Jack Kennedy

Forecasts

Bob Olinger (2/5), Gaillard Du Mesnil (1/2), Ashdale Bob (7/2), Ganapathi (15/2), N'Golo (12/1), Decimation (25/1)

This is all about BOB OLINGER, who looked so good at Cheltenham where he readily accounted for the re-opposing Gaillard Du Mesnil and 5 others. There are no obvious chinks in his armour and, ominously for his rivals, one suspects that the best is yet to come. It's likely that Gaillard Du Mesnil will again be the one to follow Henry De Bromhead's charge home, while Ashdale Bob is best of the rest.