Connolly's RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle

Smart in bumpers last season, culminating with an excellent second in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, and is very much the one to beat on this switch to hurdling.

Showed little all 3 starts for Maurice Barnes in late 2024 (had breathing problem latest). Engaged 2.05 here Wednesday.

Confirmed debut promise when landing a Limerick bumper in March, awarded race having been carried badly left from over 1f out. Failed to repeat that effort in a stronger race at Punchestown in May but should make his mark over hurdles in time.

€24,000 3-y-o, €35,000 5-y-o, Yorgunnabelucky gelding. Dam (h77), lightly raced over hurdles, half-sister to smart staying chaser Swansea Bay. Off mark in points at fifth attempt (May 3). Market for clues.

Showed fair form in a pair of maiden hurdles prior to running to a higher level when second of 6 in a Limerick bumper (16f, heavy). Off 8 months. Switches from bumpers to hurdles.

£18,000 3-y-o, Capri gelding. Half-brother to bumper winner Get A Superstar. Dam (h99) maiden hurdler. Unpromising in points and looks best watched.

Promising type who bettered his hurdling debut form when second of 10 in maiden at Wexford (20.7f, soft) in April, finishing with running left after being badly hampered 4 out. Return to shorter unlikely to suit but is open to further progress all the same.

€10,500 3-y-o, El Salvador gelding. Dam unraced.

Fair hurdler. 7/2, creditable second of 8 in maiden hurdle at Bellewstown (20.5f, good) 29 days ago, barely adequate test. This drop in trip isn't sure to be in his favour but a form contender, nonetheless. Wears first-time cheekpieces.

Sent off 125/1 and finished only fifteenth of 20 in bumper at Punchestown (16f, good to soft) on Rues debut 145 days ago. Makes hurdles debut and probably one for the longer term if anything.

Showed only a bit more than in bumpers when sixth of 7 in maiden hurdle at Down Royal (20f, good to firm) on debut in this sphere 27 days ago.