Barberstown Castle Novice Chase (Grade 1)

Ran some fine races in defeat over hurdles last season including at this meeting; got off the mark in a Clonmel maiden last autumn and then took a Naas beginners' chase, easily beating Jacob's Ladder; just denied in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase at Christmas and put up a respectable effort in the Champion Chase last time; can be involved.

Grade 3 novice hurdle winner over 2m4f last season but is comfortable at this trip too; got off the mark over fences at Fairyhouse before winning a valuable Leopardstown handicap and Navan Grade 3, all over approx' 2m; fine fourth in the WillowWarm Gold Cup last time at 2m4f; can be involved.

Was the outstanding novice hurdler of last season with two Grade 1 wins including the Supreme Novices' at Cheltenham; had an excuse when well below that form at this meeting last year; made an impressive chasing debut at Navan; then had a chip taken out of a knee, so lacked experience but still ran a cracker in the Arkle; with more to come he will be difficult to beat today.

Hurdle winner was 12l behind Irish Panther on chasing debut at Naas; has been hit and miss since but both his wins in that time have been over C&D so his course form can help him back here; has to rebound from a bad mistake at Fairyhouse last time.

Won a Grade 2 novice hurdle at this track last season before adding a Grade 1 at Aintree; easily got off the mark over fences at Thurles on third start but was a beaten favourite in an Aintree Grade 1 last time when raced keenly; has a bit to find with stablemate Kopek Des Bordes but is capable of a big run.