Donohue Marquees Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)

Won the Grade 2 Royal Bond over C&D in November but limitations seemingly exposed since, beaten 13¼ lengths into eighth behind Old Park Star in Supreme at Cheltenham 26 days ago. Has a 6 lb penalty here.

Useful Flat winner who made second start over hurdles a winning one at Down Royal in November. Narrowly denied by Koktail Brut in Royal Bond over C&D next time and another near miss at graded level when beaten a neck by Le Labo at Naas last time. Receives weight from that pair now. Cheekpieces on.

Bumper/maiden hurdle winner last summer. In second when falling at the last in novice at Kilbeggan in August and returned with a promising second on the Flat in February. Hooded first time. Probably capable of better but this is a jump in class.

Useful hurdler. Hooded first time (retained), career best when winning 4-runner 2m listed hurdle (5/2) at Punchestown (heavy) 49 days ago by ¾ length from Lazare de Star, battling well. Should give a good account.

Multiple bumper winner in France for Mathieu Pitart. Promising second in Leopardstown maiden on hurdle debut having joined Willie Mullins and easily landed short odds at Punchestown (2m, heavy) since. Potentially smart for top yard with excellent record in this.

Dual bumper winner who benefited from the late departure of El Cairos when winning a maiden hurdle at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting. Too free when stepped up in trip at Thurles since. The return to 2m will help but faces a stiff task in this company.

Useful form in defeat on the Flat last summer and made a successful return to hurdling in maiden company at Punchestown (2m, heavy) in February. Creditable 11¼ lengths sixth of 11 to Old Park Star in Supreme at Cheltenham last month. Likely to go well but Townend seemingly prefers Leader d'Allier.