He'llberemembered Hurdle

Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 5m 33.8s

Commander Of Fleet^p²¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: S Fitzgerald⁽⁵⁾| T: G Elliott| OR: 146| C

7/2

15/8, took form up a notch when winning 9-runner minor event here back in March, leading on bridle 2 out and drawing clear (23.9f). Off since but rates a major player on reappearance.

Form: 12P/001-

Holymacapony^p1⁴⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: Darragh O'Keeffe| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 130

7/2

Lightly-raced winner over hurdles. Got back on track after 7 months off when third of 7 in minor event hurdle at Galway (21.4f, good, 3/1) 45 days ago. Cheekpieces on 1st time.

Form: 1/1P8-3

Nibblers Charm^p¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: Brian Hayes| T: R Hackett| OR: 134

8/1

Useful hurdler. 7/2, creditable third of 15 in handicap at this course (16f, good to soft) 14 days ago. Switches from Flat to hurdles. Significantly up in trip. Difficult ask.

Form: 17/19-19

Alpine Cobra^p²⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: D J McInerney| T: C Byrnes| OR: 134

66/1

Fairly useful hurdler. Thirteen runs since last win in 2019. Out of sorts at present, tailed-off at Listowel last month. Switches from chase to hurdles. Cheekpieces back on.

Form: P-5F356

Doctor Duffy²³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Sean O'Keeffe| T: C Byrnes| OR: 137| D

10/1

Useful chaser. Laboured effort when eighth of 16 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (24f, heavy, 20/1). Off 7 months. Can give a good account if ready to roll on reappearance.

Form: 113F58-

Stratum¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: J B Foley⁽⁵⁾| T: W P Mullins| OR: 142

11/10

Versatile, classy dual purpose performer who added Queen Alexandra Stakes (21.6f) to his tally at Royal Ascot in June. Struggled a bit since but holds leading claims back over hurdles.

Form: 24P/70-7

Forecasts

Stratum (11/10), Holymacapony (7/2), Commander Of Fleet (7/2), Nibblers Charm (8/1), Doctor Duffy (10/1), Alpine Cobra (66/1)

This has the potential to develop into a match between STRATUM and Commander of Fleet, with preference for the former. Willie Mullins' classy dual purpose performer added another big race to his collection at Royal Ascot in June and he looks the one to beat on these terms. Commander of Fleet is sure to give him plenty to think about on his return, with Doctor Duffy completing the shortlist.