Horse & Jockey Hotel Hurdle (Grade 3)

Off time: 15:54 | Winning time: 3m 56.00s

Gaucher^h,t⁶⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 150| CD

13/8

Ran well when fourth behind Jesse Evans in the Grimes Hurdle in July (would have finished closer but for blundering the last) and again gave his running when fifth in the Galway hurdle (beating a couple of these rivals). Off a career-high mark but not ruled out if able to dictate on the front end.

Form: 4144-45

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Jesse Evans^t⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-8| J: Donagh Meyler| T: N Meade| OR: 148| BF| CD

4/1

Reopposes three of the rivals he beat when winning the Grimes Hurdle over C&D in July and backed that up with his best run over fences when runner-up in the Galway Plate. Couldn't match that form following a break when second at Sligo on Wednesday but respected returning to C&D where he is 2-2.

Form: 3-31122

Sunchart²²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Cian Quirke| T: A Slattery| OR: 143| C

8/1

Useful Flat performer on his day and best run over hurdles when third of 12 to Jesse Evans in Grimes Hurdle. Disappointing in the Galway Hurdle prior to being outclassed back in Group 3 company on the Flat last time. No surprise to see him much closer to form given his record at this track.

Form: 212-130

Cottesloe Sunshine¹⁵⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: J J Slevin| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 138| D

17/2

Useful mare caused something of a surprise when landing her second mares' novice listed success at Punchestown (16.4f, good to soft) in May (Dawn Run second Sixandahalf below-par back in third). She's in good hands but will need to improve again taking on the boys after a break.

Form: U13101-

Enniskerry^t⁴⁴

Age: 11| Weight: 11-1| J: Sean Flanagan| T: B Connell| OR: 145| D

10/3

Has a good record fresh and ran a cracker over C&D on reappearance when ½ length behind Jesse Evans (now 7 lb better off with that rival). Travelled as well as any when eighth in the Galway Hurdle and still in good heart when third back on the Flat 44 days ago. Solid claims returning to hurdles.

Form: 3/621-28

Glen Kiln¹⁶⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: Brian Hayes| T: D H Kelly| OR: 136

12/1

Much improved on first start since rejoining David Harry Kelly when winning a 14-runner handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse (21f, soft) with plenty in hand in April. Returns to 2m for this significant step up in class but no surprise if he holds his own given the manner of his latest victory.

Form: F/618P1-

Shoot First²⁴⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: Philip Byrnes| T: C Byrnes| OR: 145| C

28/1

Course winner landed a valuable 15-runner handicap at Haydock (24.3f, heavy) last season but has been absent since suffering a heavy fall at Sandown in February. Worth a market check (will appreciate softening ground) but the marked drop back in trip suggests this could be a confidence booster.

Form: 81/519F-

Forecasts

Gaucher (13/8), Enniskerry (10/3), Jesse Evans (4/1), Sunchart (8/1), Cottesloe Sunshine (17/2), Glen Kiln (12/1), Shoot First (28/1)

ENNISKERRY has remained in good heart since finishing a ½ length behind Jesse Evans (who is 2-2 over this C&D) in the Grimes Hurdle and the veteran may be able to reverse the form now 7 lb better off. Sunchart and Gaucher finished third and fourth respectively that day and should again be competitive.