Kelly Bros Handicap Hurdle

Five hurdle wins came on goodish ground at 2m-2m4; last success came when 10l in front at Kelso last May; not at his best at Stratford next time, nor on the Flat at Galway when last seen; has won after a break before.

Flat winner got his third hurdles win under this rider at Navan in September (2m, yielding) off 9lb lower; 1l behind Wholelotofbusiness when fourth at Down Royal in November (worse off at weights now); another positive effort when second back at Navan (2m, soft to heavy) when last seen in November.

Bought for 40,000euros after winning a French hurdle race on very soft in October 2024; returned from a 519-day absence with a positive runner-up finish at Wexford (2m, soft) despite being unfancied in the market (11-1); could step forward now but has never raced on this better ground.

Low-mileage 5yo who won comfortably over C&D (good) for Andrew Balding in September and came good for current stable in slow-ground maiden hurdle in March; wide draw a negative on Flat return, though.

One of two for trainer; in decent form in the second half of last year, placing three times before gaining a C&D novice hurdle win (yielding); another positive effort when placed at Down Royal next time (2m1f, yielding) off 1lb lower; may come on for moderate return at Cork last time (2m3f, yielding).