Gowranpark.ie Handicap

Useful AW winner in France over 1m/1m1f; campaigned solely over hurdles by current yard, winning Limerick novice on heavy over Christmas, following month okay effort in similar Punchestown contest; first try at this trip on return to the Flat on handicap debut.

Seven-time winner didn't manage to get his head in front last year but ran well in defeat at times; keen and didn't get home over 1m6f in testing conditions on last month's comeback at Navan; back in trip here so more expected of.

Showed good form in 2024 with a trio of wins from 1m2f-1m6f and runner-up on three of last four starts last term, final occasion over this trip at Galway in October; respected on return, market could prove informative to his readiness.

Decent dual-purpose sort finished second in last year's Fred Winter Hurdle at Cheltenham and two fine Flat runs on good ground in May, second at Killarney and decisive win in first-time cheekpieces over 1m6f at the Curragh off 78; 9lb higher and ground probably softer than ideal but yard in cracking form and can't be ruled out on return.

Limerick maiden winner at this trip on seasonal debut last June (good) but faced some stiff tasks afterwards in search of black-type on softer ground and soundly beaten in Galway handicap (Granite Bay second) final start in October; ground remains a concern on comeback run.