Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Hurdle (Grade 2)

High class novice last season who was second to The New Lion in the 2m5f Grade 1 at Cheltenham; later suffered a heavy fall at Punchestown; this campaign hasn't really got off the ground and departed too far out (three from home) in the 2m5f handicap at the Festival (Storm Heart third) to know how he would have fared, though was going well enough at the time; wouldn't be a surprise to see him get his career back on track.

Better than ever this season and has contested two Grade 1s; appreciated the drop in class when making all in a Grade 3 at Naas (2m, heavy) and this 7yo is a good bet to give his running (stays this far); very sound jumper.

Triumph favourite two years ago (finished fifth); very lightly raced in the meantime and firmly on an upward curve in winning twice on heavy ground (including a Grade 3) before an admirable third in the 2m5f handicap at Cheltenham (good to soft) where he would have been closer but for hitting two out; top connections haven't got to the bottom of him yet; clear claims.

Got his career back on track on returning to hurdles at Thurles (2m7f, soft to heavy), but that was still beneath his peak form and Paul Townend deserts him for Storm Heart.

Admirably consistent handicapper who didn't run too badly when midfield in the County Hurdle last month; however, this is a step up the ladder for him and regular rider Jack Kennedy evidently prefers the chances of The Yellow Clay.