Monks Bistro Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:14 | Winning time: 6m 19.5s

Rookie Trainer^t³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Peter Kavanagh⁽⁵⁾| T: D Bourke| OR: 122

20/1

Resumed winning ways at Worcester in May and back on track when third of 5 at Perth last month. Since left Neil Mulholland and goes up in trip minus usual cheekpieces.

Form: 465-183

Nick Lost²³

Age: 10| Weight: 12-0| J: Ben Harvey⁽⁷⁾| T: J C McConnell| OR: 122

12/1

Fairly useful at his best for Henry de Bromhead. Below that level in couple of hunter chase contests for S. McConville and never dangerous back under Rules at Kilbeggan 3 weeks ago. Lot to prove back hurdling up in trip.

Form: P24-346

Liffeydale Dreamer^p,t³²

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Jonathan England| T: S England| OR: 122| CD

5/2

Win number 3 since May in gritty fashion at Stratford last month, short of room late and awarded the contest. Up 4 lb and very likely to give it another good go.

Form: 2-13811

Willaston^t³⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Sean Quinlan| T: M Walford| OR: 119

4/1

Made a winning debut in Ireland last autumn and best effort since when second fitted with cheekpieces at Limerick last month. Since left Louise G. Lyons and one of 2 for new yard.

Form: 066382

Native Fighter⁴⁴

10/3

In good form at this venue last summer, winning twice. Yet to fire this term but he's been given a chance by the handicapper back up in trip.

Form: 314-607

Jony Max^t³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Ellis Collier⁽⁷⁾| T: Christian Williams| OR: 108| BF

11/4

Triple chase winner since December. Lower in the weights over hurdles (well held in his qualifying runs) so interesting to see what he can do over these obstacles.

Form: 21-2212

Non-Runners

Johnson's Blue⁴⁴

Weight: 11-12| Age: 5

T: M Walford J: Tom Midgley

Forecasts

Johnson's Blue (7/4), Liffeydale Dreamer (5/2), Jony Max (11/4), Native Fighter (10/3), Willaston (4/1), Nick Lost (12/1), Rookie Trainer (20/1)

JOHNSON'S BLUE is one of the most progressive handicap hurdlers around, and with a conditional back in the plate, his winning sequence may well be extended. Liffeydale Dreamer is also thriving, with Jony Max interesting back hurdling.