Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle (Grade 3)

Grade 3 winner at Naas before 3l defeat to Irancy in Fairyhouse Grade 2; only caught late in Listed handicap hurdle at Leopardstown since; has to concede weight but interesting that Townend seems to prefer him to Winter Fog.

Wide margin winner of this last year when springing 22-1 surprise; has had some tough assignments recently and should relish this drop in class after his fourth to Teahupoo at Punchestown.

Unbeaten in two hurdle starts since joining this yard but this is a tough assignment on return from a year off stepping up in class.

Useful Flat performer who produced a career best over timber at Wexford last time; needs much more up in grade now though but still unexposed in this sphere.

2-3 over timber and too bad to be true when tailed off 5-4 favourite at Naas; big step forward required on return to action; now tried with tongue-tie debuting for new yard.