Proficient Engineering Irish EBF Maiden Hurdle

Things haven't gone to plan since a promising hurdling debut at Kilbeggan in May. Cheekpieces now added and connections may have one eye on low-grade handicaps.

Crystal Ocean. Dam (b81), lightly raced in bumpers, sister to useful hurdler/fairly useful chaser (winner up to 3¼m) Cup Final and fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser (stayed 2½m) Asta La Pasta. Easy winner of second start in points (Apr 2026). Interesting hurdling debutant for a good yard.

Placed on first of 2 starts in points. Took a step forward from his hurdling debut when mid-field at Limerick recently. First-time cheekpieces go on, and he's another who may be better off in handicaps.

Improved appreciably on hurdling debut form when 7½-length second to better-fancied stablemate (now useful) at Fairyhouse (2½m) on New Year's Day. Shaped better than the distance beaten suggests in a Gowran bumper in March. Back hurdling and sets a clear standard among those with experience.

Has looked less than straightforward for 3 handlers in short career to date. Beaten 12¾ lengths in Thurles maiden on hurdling debut for Denis Hogan last October. May need the experience/run on first start for another new yard.

Showed a bit on the first of 2 starts on the Flat. Offered little on hurdling debut for present yard at Punchestown (2½m, heavy) in February, though.

Mahler filly. Dam (h107), 2m-2½m hurdle winner, half-sister to useful hurdler/chaser (stays 23f) Torygraph (by Mahler). Likely a longer-term project.