Professor Maria Hinfelaar Handicap Hurdle (Div I)

Well beaten in first two starts over around 2m4f before much-improved second to 120-rated rival at Thurles (16.5f, soft to heavy); the form of that race is questionable and he really struggled at Cork ten days ago; handicap debut.

Modest form in points; well held in three maidens; landed a sizeable gamble on his third handicap outing at Clonmel three weeks ago (2m3f, soft), although it was a messy race and was left in the lead two out; respected from 8lb higher.

Maiden has placed in two of her last four starts, including when third in 2m mares' handicap here on heavy in November off 97; good second of 17 at Naas on penultimate but failed to see out 21.5f here 16 days ago.

Has hit the frame four times over fences this season, not beaten far in pair of 23.5f handicaps at Clonmel of late; won Thurles handicap hurdle (soft) over this trip in February last year under this rider off 97; looks set to run a good race again.

Didn't show much last season but back from 370-day break when taking advantage of career-low mark at Down Royal last month (20.5f, yielding); the runner-up won well here next time; 11lb higher tackling more testing conditions but can't be ignored.