Nire Valley Maiden Hurdle

55,000euros 3yo; fourth foal; half-brother to point winner Matterofexpression; dam unraced half-sister to useful winners Pride Of The Parish (bumper/2m4f hurdle) and Emily Gray (2m-2m5f hurdle/chase); 15th of 18 in valuable Punchestown bumper 331 days ago; improvement likely; could figure for top yard on stable debut if getting a run.

Promising racecourse debut when fourth in valuable Fairyhouse bumper last season; underwhelming odds-on favourite at Thurles in December but ran far better when third at Down Royal when mistake two out proved costly; similar level of form when third again at Punchestown lto; drop in trip not sure to suit but a strong contender nonetheless.

Half-brother to winners Celestial Park (2m4f hurdle) and Global Fortune (point); dam unraced sister to useful 2m5f-3m2f hurdle/chase winner Warden Hill; tailed off on hurdles debut at Gowran Park 19 days ago; hard to fancy.

Green when well held in two bumpers during the winter; not an obvious contender on hurdles debut.

Shaped nicely on racecourse debut when fourth in Naas bumper 101 days ago, racing plenty keenly and just fading late on having made a significant move to hit the front turning for home; form has worked out okay and he could easily progress now tackling hurdles; wants further on pedigree but capable of going close.