Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle (Grade 3)

Likeable type who found marked improvement to win big-field Leopardstown handicaps over Christmas and at the DRF. Mid-field from a career-high mark in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham subsequently and perhaps feeling the effects of a long season in Fairyhouse Grade 2 last time. Player after a break.

Flattered when runner-up in the Irish Champion Hurdle last year but he's a smart sort and ran well to finish second in the Sussex Champion Hurdle last spring. Landed the odds in a Ballinrobe minor event in May and backed it up with a good second on the Flat 12 days ago so makes plenty of appeal.

Gained a third win over fences in Punchestown Grade 3 in October. Poor efforts since, including after a break in Aintree Grade 1 latest, but could bounce back returned to calmer waters over hurdles.

Veteran who hasn't had too much racing over hurdles since winning a small-field event at Kilbeggan in August 2024 and it's probable there'll be other days in mind him for as he returns from 8 months off with cheekpieces reapplied over an inadequate trip.

Fairly useful mare who won a handicap at Clonmel in October and posted a respectable fourth in a Killarney listed race against her own sex on return. Below expecations at Ballinrobe 37 days ago, though, and needs first-time cheekpieces to bring about a chunk of improvement pitched into this grade.