McCarthy Insurance Group Rated Novice Hurdle

Off time: 12:50 | Winning time: 4m 24.5s

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Selected odds by:

Teacher's Pet²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: L P Dempsey| T: J P Dempsey| OR: 122

9/2

Has been in terrific form over hurdles since the summer, including when scoring readily at Thurles before Christmas. Drops to minimum trip now and one previous try suggests it might inconvenience him.

Form: U21311

Veinard^t¹¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 122

7/4

In good fettle since joining leading trainer, just denied in Leopardstown handicap latest and that puts him right in line for this prize.

Form: 227626-

Indian Monsoon^p¹⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: D N Russell| T: C Byrnes

9/4

Improved effort at Limerick over Christmas to hit the placings and going in the right direction now, place claims once more this afternoon.

Form: 0-80

Malicious Intent^t¹⁹¹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: D E Mullins| T: V Clifford

40/1

Finished well down in the field in Killarney maiden sole previous try over hurdles, 50/1 that day and this a tough ask now.

Form: /-96

Vinnie Luck⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: Brian Hayes| T: M Winters| OR: 111

5/1

Has gone close in maiden hurdles and off the mark over fences at Sligo in September. Faller latest attempt in that sphere at Punchestown and plenty on here with the top two to beat.

Form: 4S12F3

The Irregular^h1¹⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 10-10| J: D G Hogan| T: D Hogan| OR: 106

9/1

Off the mark at Clonmel before finding Leopardstown too hot over Christmas. Not disgraced there and this a more realistic target.

Form: 083351

Forecasts

Veinard (7/4), Indian Monsoon (9/4), Teacher's Pet (9/2), Vinnie Luck (5/1), The Irregular (9/1), Malicious Intent (40/1)

An intriguing contest, with the top two likely to form the market. Teacher's Pet has been running well for some time but this drop to two-miles is of some concern and it may pay instead to side with VEINARD for his leading trainer. His recent runner-up finish at Leopardstown entitles him to go close in this company. Indian Monsoon posted an improved effort recently while The Irregular will find this test easier and Vinnie Luck is not out of the running for place money if none the worse for his Punchestown fall. 1. Veinard 2. Teacher's Pet 3. The Irregular