John Lynch Carpets & Flooring Monksfield Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

Off time: 13:20 | Winning time: 5m 34.0s

Starman^h¹²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: J P O'Sullivan| T: A McCann| OR: 111| D

150/1

Fairly useful hurdler, with latest success in claimer at Clonmel in September. Stiff task when second of 3 in minor event at Fairyhouse (20.5f, heavy, 8/1) 12 days ago and he looks to up against it in this contest.

Form: 341522

Ballystone¹⁷³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Darragh O'Keeffe| T: T Gibney

9/1

Placed twice from 3 starts in bumpers before making a successful debut over hurdles in 15-runner maiden at Ballinrobe (16.2f, good, 1/2) in May. Off since but he's open to progress over this longer distance.

Form: 2382-1

Croke Park²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott

4/6

Winning pointer and, after an encouraging start in bumpers, made an impressive debut over hurdles when winning 10-runner maiden at Clonmel (16.6f, heavy, 3/1) 24 days ago. Exciting prospect and can score again upped in trip.

Form: 21/21

Search For Glory^t²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Jordan Gainford| T: G Elliott| OR: 132

7/2

Highly tried as a novice and, after 7 months off, made the most of a good opportunity when easily winning 7-runner maiden hurdle at Galway (21.4f, heavy, 1/9) 3 weeks ago. Respected now that he's up and running.

Form: 133P7-1

Pinyon Jay^p¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-13| J: Mark Walsh| T: G Elliott| OR: 130| D

16/1

Made a winning hurdling debut at Down Royal in September. Cheekpieces on for 1st time, needed stronger gallop when 3¾ lengths third of 7 to Solitary Man in listed novice at Cork (3m, soft, 11/2) 2 weeks ago. Remains with potential.

Form: 93133

Mel Monroe²³

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: Sam Ewing| T: G Elliott| OR: 124

11/2

Won maiden hurdle at Downpatrick in June and, after a further 4 months off, improved again when runner-up to a useful prospect in 9-runner novice at Cheltenham (19.9f, good, 7/1) 23 days ago. May do better still.

Form: 1/24-12

Forecasts

Croke Park (4/6), Search For Glory (7/2), Mel Monroe (11/2), Ballystone (9/1), Pinyon Jay (16/1), Starman (150/1)

CROKE PARK looked an exciting prospect when making most at Clonmel on his hurdling debut, quickening clear before 2 out, and he can follow up with the promise of significantly more to come. Search For Glory was highly tried as a novice and could be the main danger after making a winning return, while Mel Monroe could also still have more to offer.