Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle

Returned to hurdling with good fourth in listed handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas. Failed to build on that in 2 outings since, albeit caught too far back when ninth of 24 to Jinko Blue in BetMGM Cup at Cheltenham last time. Sets the standard but Townend prefers Soir De Garde.

Solid form when winning Navan maiden prior to finishing midfield in listed handicap at Fairyhouse on final outing of 2024/25 campaign. Probably needed the run when pulled on return in February but others look to have more potential.

Point winner who also scored on first 2 starts under Rules, a bumper at Listowel before landing the odds in maiden hurdle at Cork in November. Found out in top novice company both outings since, but remains a useful prospect and step up in trip looks a positive move.

Made a successful start over hurdles at Thurles in November and bettered that form when in frame next 2 starts, latterly Grade 1 event at Leopardstown. Needs to bounce back from poor Cheltenham effort last month, though.

Lightly-raced sort who chased home El Fabiolo in small-field minor event at Leopardstown on return and then looked booked for third behind Ndaawi and Absurde when crashing out last in similar event at Cork. Remains open to progress and looks stable first-string on jockey bookings. Hood back on.

Runner-up twice in bumpers before chasing home Kilgame in 23-runner maiden at Navan on return to hurdling last month. Step up in trip will suit and remains open to improvement.

Fairly useful 3-time winner over fences who was fortunate when landing a handicap at Cork (2½m) in January. Struggled in more competitive events over short trips last 2 starts. Makes hurdling debut.

Ran to a fair level in bumpers prior to finishing well-held third of 12 to Le Moulin Rouge in maiden hurdle at Wexford 19 days ago. Type to do better at some stage but this looks a very stiff task.

Continued theme of race-by-race progress over hurdles when making all in maiden at Gowran (2m) a month ago, always holding on. Dominating this field an entirely different undertaking, however.

Won first 2 starts over hurdles and ran well when fifth of 22 to Saratoga in Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap at Cheltenham last month. Cheekpieces worn that day are retained and receives allowances from most of his rivals, but further improvement still likely needed.