Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 6m 28.7s

Asterion Forlonge^t³²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 154| C

6/1

Very smart hurdler/chaser who came in a well-held fifth of 6 to Fastorslow in John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase at Punchestown (19.7f, soft) 32 days ago. Switches to hurdles and not ruled out though with yard in good form.

Form: 7/212-05

Ballyadam^t¹⁴⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 144

18/1

Smart hurdler. 6/1, creditable third of 8 in novice chase at Galway (18.2f, good to soft) 147 days ago. Reverts to hurdles and in the mix going up in trip with stable having good spell.

Form: 355-213

Beacon Edge¹⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Sam Ewing| T: G Elliott| OR: 142| D

40/1

Very smart hurdler/chaser but pulled up in handicap hurdle at Navan (25.2f, heavy) 19 days ago. Yard in good form but has plenty to find on form.

Form: 3036-1P

Buddy One²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: J G Gilligan| T: P J Gilligan| OR: 152

10/1

Progressing really well when winning 3m handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in November but came in last of 5 to Teahupoo in Hatton's Grace Hurdle (22/1) at Fairyhouse (20.3f, soft) 25 days ago. Not written off.

Form: 2-43115

Home By The Lee⁴⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: J J Slevin| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 156| C

9/4

Very smart hurdler who resumed after 7 months off with an encouraging third of 5 to Bob Olinger in Lismullen Hurdle at Navan (20f, heavy, 7/2) 40 days ago. Took this prize 12 months ago and another bold showing is on the cards.

Form: R115P-3

Irish Point⁴⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 151

1/1

Very smart hurdler who resumed his progress after 7 months off with stylish success in 7-runner Jezki Hurdle at Down Royal (16.9f, soft) 48 days ago by 1¾ lengths from Magical Zoe. Ought to go close now upped in distance.

Form: 22411-1

Forecasts

Irish Point (1/1), Home By The Lee (9/4), Asterion Forlonge (6/1), Buddy One (10/1), Ballyadam (18/1), Beacon Edge (40/1)

IRISH POINT is on an upward curve and looks very much the way to go on the back of his stylish Down Royal success with this step up in distance also a likely plus. Last year's victor Home By The Lee should ensure Gordon Elliott's 5-y-o doesn't have things all his own way though, with Asterion Forlonge not ruled out either now reverted to hurdles.