Set some stiff tasks in his career, NO LOOKING BACK can strike on his handicap debut stepping back up in trip. Barry Lyndon loves decent ground and has to be respected with the weather forecast in his favour, while Any Road has a solid each-way chance if he can get away on terms this time. Music Of Tara, Lord Erskine and Koori Star are others to consider in a wide-open affair. [Adrian Wall]
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Won twice over hurdles in France; unbeaten in three Fairyhouse chase starts last season, culminating in Irish Grand National triumph; needed the run here last month; 10lb lower than chase mark but Aintree will be the long-term plan.
Grade 2 and Grade 3 winner last season; signed off with runner-up to Kargese in Grade 1 4yo Champion Hurdle at Punchestown; yet to rediscover that form in three runs this season; looked a non-stayer over this trip latest; headgear change.
1-7 over hurdles, winning a maiden over 2m on heavy ground here last December; has been well below last season's form this term and struggled in handicap company twice already; others preferred.
Took advantage of lower hurdles mark to win Listed handicap at Naas (2m4f, soft) last season; 11yo has been out of form since and is still 7lb higher; all five career wins have been gained at Naas.
Four-time winner under rules; latest win came off 133 in Wexford handicap chase last April; good run on seasonal reappearance over hurdles at Punchestown (3m, soft) but failed to fire at Leopardstown; market watch advised.
Won a rated hurdle easily on seasonal reappearance at Fairyhouse (20.5f, good); lost considerable ground when rearing at the start when pulled up at Leopardstown; shaped well in two previous handicaps off lower marks and could go well.
Grade 2-winning hurdler in 2022 has been set some stiff tasks, including four tries in Grade 1 company; could be well treated on his Ballinrobe second to Beacon Edge in May; fair effort behind Brighterdaysahead latest and has to be of interest.
Dual-purpose sort won valuable handicap hurdle at Leopardstown (2m, soft) last February; 12yo is 10lb higher now but finished a fine Listed second when last seen over hurdles at Listowel; should give his running again.
Runner-up in the juvenile handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in March; won Listed handicap at Listowel (2m, soft) in September; hasn't had his ground in two subsequent starts and won't want it to dry out here.
Flattered by his Grade 1 fourth to Spillane's Tower in March but off the mark over fences at the Galway festival (2m2f, good); solid runs in Munster National and Grade 3 since; fair mark back hurdling on first start for in-form yard.
Gained second hurdles success on good ground over this trip at Bellewstown in August; effectively only 2lb higher here factoring in Liam McKenna's claim; ran well off this mark when sixth of 24 at Fairyhouse; drying ground a positive.
Ballinrobe maiden hurdle (16.5f, good) winner in May; failed to make much of an impact in three handicaps since; blinkers go back on; opposable on balance.
Off the mark over hurdles at Naas (2m3f, soft) in March off 119; pulled up three weeks later at Fairyhouse over 3m; this trip will suit better but all of his form is on soft or heavy; may need the run in first-time tongue-tie.
Point winner won Bellewstown maiden hurdle (20.5f, good) on rules debut before narrow defeat in Cork novice hurdle; below-par efforts at Cheltenham and Thurles; one of three here for the yard so market will guide on handicap bow; cheekpieces.
Won 3m1f maiden hurdle at Cork in 2023; some fair efforts over fences subsequently; never a factor on handicap hurdle debut at Leopardstown and trip on the sharp side here; first-time cheekpieces added to tongue-tie.
Versatile sort who stays well; has a good strike-rate over hurdles (3-8); pulled up both starts this season since returning from an absence; plenty to prove on first run for Denis Hogan.
Chase winner won handicap hurdle over this trip at Leopardstown last season off 115 for Henry de Bromhead; 6lb lower than chase mark here on return to hurdling; first start for Gordon Elliott; respected.
Thurles bumper winner took advantage of a big drop in grade when winning handicap at this course (3m1f, yielding to soft) last month; 7lb hike to contend with but should be bang there again if he handles the drop in trip.
Point and maiden hurdle winner; travelled up well for a long way when fourth of 20 at Leopardstown (23.5f, yielding); drop to this trip is a plus from same mark; respected.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4,5
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
