Knocknarea Claiming Hurdle

Better chaser than hurdler; gained back-to-back chase wins in a Down Royal novice event and a Wexford handicap in March/April, both over just short of 2m4f; in contrast, pulled up in competitive handicaps at the Punchestown festival and Killarney; 1-12 over hurdles, win gained in a 2m5f maiden at Galway.

Grade 2 novice hurdle winner in 2021; hit form last spring winning conditions chases at Down Royal (2m4f) and Wexford (2m); chase form deteriorated last season and he was pulled up in a handicap hurdle at Naas in March; retains a high hurdles rating that gives him a chance in theory but looks risky

Three of his five hurdle wins have been in races of this type, at this venue and Ballinrobe in August 2023 and at Tramore in April on his return from a lengthy absence; disappointing handicap run at Killarney before remote second in a controversial Wexford event 13 days ago; has to be taken seriously.

Three Flat wins; 0-17 over jumps, outran his 66-1 odds when third in a claimer at Clonmel last month; again faces a tough task at the weight.

Showed promise early in his career; point winner for Sean Doyle and placed over hurdles for Dan Skelton; well exposed in points in recent seasons since return from Britain.