Matchbook 50:50 Graduation Series (C & G) Maiden Hurdle

Off time: 14:41 | Winning time: 5m 22.20s

Atlantic Gamble¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Jack Gilligan⁽⁵⁾| T: P J Gilligan

125/1

Twice-raced maiden over hurdles. Fairly useful winner at 9f on flat. 125/1, seventh of 20 in novice hurdle at this course (16.6f, heavy) 15 days ago. Faces a very stiff task.

Form: 87

Doctor Du Mesnil³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| D

2/5

Doctor Dino gelding who was an impressive debut bumper winner at Cork (19f) in April. Returned with a highly promising second of 22 in novice at Leopardstown (16f, good, 2/1) on hurdles bow 31 days ago. Interesting prospect stepped up in trip.

Form: 1-2

Haveanothertry²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Danny Gilligan| T: G Elliott

28/1

Once-raced maiden. Fourth of 7 in bumper (10/1) at Limerick (18f, heavy) on NH debut 29 days ago. Makes hurdles debut and this is no easy introduction.

Form: 4

The Passing Wife³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Keith Donoghue| T: G P Cromwell| OR: 136| C

2/1

Useful hurdler who posted an excellent third in Royal Bond at Fairyhouse in November. Only fifth of 8 in Future Champions Novices' Hurdle at Leopardstown (16f, good) 30 days ago but still holds very good claims in this less exacting company.

Form: 311/335

Non-Runners

Springhill Warrior¹⁵

Weight: 11-12| Age: 5

T: G Elliott J: Jack Kennedy

Forecasts

Doctor Du Mesnil (2/5), The Passing Wife (2/1), Springhill Warrior (5/1), Haveanothertry (28/1), Atlantic Gamble (125/1)

DOCTOR DU MESNIL shaped really well when runner-up in a big-field Leopardstown novice on his first run over hurdles and can take a sizeable step forward now to thwart form pick The Passing Wife who rates a big threat in these calmer waters. Springhill Warrior has better days ahead of him and is no forlorn hope either in this intriguing maiden.