Showed at this venue last month that he's a dangerous front runner, gaining commanding win over 2m4f. More on over this trip and rivals may be less inclined to grant soft advantage.
Thurles winner in November over 2m2f, set tough enough tasks in both subsequent runs. Up in trip and stable in good form, though champion jockey looks elsewhere.
Career-best to win 2m4f beginners' chase at Punchestown last month, clearly going the right way and new trip holds no concerns. Top amateur rider takes over and should not hinder his cause.
Champion jockey prefers him of two from yard, form is excellent but surely some concerns that he found this trip beyond his optimum last month at Naas in race won by Anibale Fly. Is 3lb better off with that rival but much to prove to reverse form.
Won beginners' event at Naas in November, perhaps just lacking turn of foot in good company since, interesting now upped to this sort of trip with leading rider taking over again.
Easy Limerick winner at Christmas, found things happening too quickly amongst talented rivals at Naas since, upped significantly in trip now and could play to his strengths.
Non-Runners
9
Velocity Boy21
Weight: 11-3| Age: 8
T: William P Murphy J: B M Cash
NR
Forecasts
Anibale Fly (6/4), Acapella Bourgeois (7/2), Road To Respect (6/1), Edwulf (7/1), Haymount (8/1), Jetstream Jack (12/1), Bellow Mome (16/1), Stone Hard (20/1), Velocity Boy (20/1)
Acapella Bourgeois was allowed to dominate proceedings from the front in last month's course win over a shorter trip. He should have more attention paid this time and must also prove his stamina for this further examination. Velocity Boy is one that might take him on up front, he excelled for the step up in trip last time but this Grade Two demands more still. Should the lead be a contested one, the race ought to set up well for ANIBALE FLY, who saw out his win at Naas over this trip last time very well and looks to have scope for more on just his fifth outing over fences. He holds the likes of Haymount on that running although more may be expected of him based on jockey bookings. Road To Respect and Stone Hard are interesting stepping up in trip while last time out winner Edwulf isn't to be written off easily.
1. Anibale Fly
2. Edwulf
3. Road To Respect