Flat Is Back At Naas Sunday 22nd March Claiming Hurdle

Three-time hurdles winner; last win in that sphere came in a C&D handicap in February 2024 (2m7f, soft); won a Fairyhouse novice chase in January last year (2m6f, soft); poor over fences this term but some okay efforts over timber; beaten 20l in fourth at Fairyhouse last time (3m, yielding); blinkers replace the cheekpieces and decent chance at this level.

Got back-to-back chase wins at Galway (2m7f, good to yielding) and Downpatrick (3m, yielding) in September; failed to make frame at Cheltenham and Newbury before fair sixth at Punchestown (2m7f, soft to heavy); pulled up at Navan last time (3m, heavy); reverts to hurdles now and may want better ground.

Fine record in point-to-points (9-12); positive 6l third of 16 in a handicap hurdle at Punchestown (2m6f, soft to heavy); backed into favouritism despite being poorly treated in a claiming hurdle at Limerick (2m5f, heavy) and scored by 20l under today's rider in a first-time visor; good chance.

Bagged third career hurdles win at Navan in November (2m4f, soft to heavy) off 98; poor in three starts since (one over fences); needs to bounce back to his best and others better treated.

Veteran has not done a great deal of racing; good effort when fourth at Punchestown (3m, heavy); out of money over fences at Limerick (2m7f, soft to heavy) and beaten 22l back at Punchestown last time (2m6f, soft to heavy); a fair bit to do at these weights.