BOYLE Sports Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

Off time: 15:19 | Winning time: 6m 3.80s

Timeless Treaty¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 135| CD

4/6

Started career 2-2 over hurdles and having shaped better than the results in handicaps, was much improved in form terms when decisive winner of 6-runner C&D novice a fortnight ago, coping best with testing conditions. Gets the nod from Jack Kennedy and merits respect under a penalty.

Form: 5U5851

Bon Viveur^t³³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins

14/1

Third in a bumper with depth on debut and had plenty left in the tank when successful on hurdles debut at Tramore (16.2f, soft) in November. Possibly amiss at Navan last month but he's in excellent hands and this step up in trip is bred to suit. Cannot be discounted if back on song.

Form: 3-17

Open Secret^t²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Jordan Gainford| T: G Elliott| OR: 128

2/1

Fairly useful Flat winner for Charlie Johnston and has progressed with each start over hurdles. Opened his account in commanding fashion at Naas and travelled well when fourth in 2½m Grade 2 at Cheltenham on Trials Day. That looks the strongest form on offer and he could be the one to beat.

Form: 421-4

Parnell Street²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Cian Quirke| T: A Slattery| OR: 123

15/2

Beat a pair of now useful sorts to get off the mark at Clonmel in December and has underlined his consistency since, failed to settle and unable to go with the winner when second in 5-runner Punchestown novice (19f, heavy) latest. Should give his running if settling better upped in grade.

Form: 132132

Forecasts

Timeless Treaty (4/6), Open Secret (2/1), Parnell Street (15/2), Bon Viveur (14/1)

It may pay to focus on the Gordon Elliott pair and following a solid fourth in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham last time, improving OPEN SECRET is taken to get the better of stablemate Timeless Treaty, who gets the vote of confidence from Jack Kennedy but has a 6 lb penalty to defy for his recent C&D win.