Despite having gone up an aggregate of 20lb since her Cork win in March, CULLIG remains very much of interest and can get back on the winning trail here. Our Soldier, Duke Silver and Tranquil Sea look potential dangers. [Alan Hewison]
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Progressive staying handicapper recorded wins this past season at Punchestown and when career-best over this trip at Leopardstown in March (yielding); below best in C&D novice afterwards and early faller back in handicap company at Punchestown festival; drops in grade and top-weight respected.
Only 1-17 over hurdles (win was two seasons ago in 2m novice here); standout run this past season when second in 3m Gowran handicap in testing conditions and also ran well in 3m2f beginners chase here; tame effort at Kilbeggan latest and now reverts to hurdles.
2m maiden winner at Cork on soft to heavy last March and proved his stamina when a clear second in 3m Clonmel handicap later in year (good); this headgear combination tried on last month's return, running okay until blunder two out put paid to his chances at Fairyhouse; entitled to come on for that and not one to rule out.
Fairyhouse beginners' chase winner in late 2023, having previously been placed in brief hurdling campaign; couple of good runs in handicap chases this past season, reportedly lost action when pulled up at Fairyhouse latest; first run over hurdles in over two years and races off 12lb lower mark than fences.
Three hurdle wins have all been at 3m+ on both good and soft, including at Listowel festival in 2023; first run in 197 days when pulled up after lifeless run over fences at Down Royal last month and reverts to hurdles.
Won a 2m4f handicap here in October (yielding-to-soft) off 97 but took a 9lb hit for that and just fair form since; just beginning his challenge when a faller three out at Thurles on latest (favourite); first attempt at 3m here and 5yo could still have more to offer.
Progressive staying handicapper this past season, runaway winner over this trip at Cork (good) and second off much higher mark afterwards at both Naas and back at Cork (soft); ground-versatile and continues to improve (up 20lb since her win) so major respect.
Belated first win under rules in today's headgear combination in 2m7f Downpatrick handicap over a year ago (good) off 98; off for a year until well held over shorter trip over fences at Bangor last month; better for that comeback run and trip-ground to suit back hurdling.
Placed on three of four attempts hurdling, notably handicap debut last month at Bellewstown when upped to today's trip, finishing a clear second to a warm favourite (good); up 4lb but definite contender with likely more to offer.
Sprang a surprise when winning over this trip at Tipperary in November (soft) but hasn't backed that up, pulled up on two of three outings including latest at Leopardstown (behind Birmingham Alabama) after forcing it; hard to fancy, especially on this quicker ground.
Won a point-to-point last year but modest enough form in 2m maiden hurdles, mildly encouraging handicap debut run on last month's return at Fairyhouse over 2m4f; potential for more now upped further in trip.
Flat maiden with limited hurdling experience, most recently decent enough handicap debut third at Down Royal (2m4f, good) last month; not sure if flat-bred gelding is a likely improver at this longer trip.
A hint of ability in three maiden hurdles but well beaten opening two handicaps; upped in trip here and encounters much quicker ground than she has so far raced on.
