QuinnBet Hurdle

Seven hurdles wins, including two Grade.2s at Navan in Boyne Hurdle in February last year (2m6f, soft to heavy) and Fairyhouse in April (2m4f, soft to heavy); creditable return in Boyne Hurdle last time when a 4.25l third; cheekpices go on and looks like the main opposition to El Fabiolo, but must give him 5lb despite being rated 4lb less than him.

Outstanding 2m novice chaser at his peak; became plagued by jumping frailties; fell in a number of Grade 1 contests; reverted to hurdles with a smooth 8.5l success at Punchestown on New Year's Day on seasonal return (2m3f, yielding), second won Gr.3 next time; this is much easier than the Irish Champion Hurdle (2m, heavy) last time, in which he finished last of five; huge chance.

Half-brother to State Man is a very lightly-raced 8yo with just three runs under his belt; unable to make breakthrough in two bumpers in 2024; off the mark immediately in a weak Tramore contest in April (2m1, yielding); rider suggested he likely prefers better ground on that occasion; up against experienced rivals here and Townend rides El Fabiolo.

Enjoying a fine season, winning two handicap hurdles at Punchestown, over 2m4f (good to yielding) in October and 2m3f (yielding) in December; beaten 24l off 127 at Fairyhouse last time (2m4f, heavy); would receive 27lb from El Fabiolo in a handicap rather than 5lb here.

Won a Grade 2 in 2022 (2m, heavy); has struggled since then; more likely to return to winning ways in a handicap; looks out of his depth here with blinkers replacing previously work cheekpieces.