Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle (Grade 3)

Off time: 19:20 | Winning time: 3m 51.1s

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Selected odds by:

Ivan Grozny^h⁶⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Ruby Walsh| T: W P Mullins| OR: 150| CD

1/1

Very useful hurdler, not seen out since finishing sixth in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Punchestown in April but can go well fresh, so short break no issue. May not want the ground too quick but this is an easier opportunity than he normally faces, and holds every chance of following up last year's success in the race.

Form: 15/1156-

Rashaan¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: S W Flanagan| T: C Kidd| OR: 146| D

5/1

Just over four lengths to make up on Ivan Grozny on their Irish Champion Hurdle form but in good heart at present, and didn't need to be at his best to take advantage of an easy opportunity at Down Royal latest. Conditions fine, and this game sort can't be ruled out.

Form: 21359-1

Clondaw Warrior²⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: D J Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 155| D

9/2

Top class and normally mixes it in the highest company, so will find this opportunity easier. Campaigned mainly at staying trips over hurdles these days though, and will need a good pace at this trip. Handles all ground and holds a first-rate chance of adding another victory to his excellent record.

Form: 112369-

Moonday Sun^t³⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: K M Donoghue| T: G Elliott| OR: 137| D

16/1

Improving quickly and deserves a shot at a decent prize such as this, although his form means he needs to find more tonight. Easy winner from another improving sort at Punchestown latest and with conditions ideal again, may surprise a few higher rated rivals.

Form: 1312-01

Plinth^b,t³⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: J S McGarvey| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 135| CD

16/1

Never really reached the heights once thought capable, but still knows how to win when the opportunity arises. Arguably better over further now though, and ground to make up on one or two of these on form, so others hold stronger claims tonight.

Form: 8145-13

Kitten Rock²⁰⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: M P Walsh| T: E J O'Grady| OR: 158| BF| D

5/1

Was capable of top-class form over hurdles at his peak, beaten less than 10l in a Champion Hurdle back in 2015 but an interrupted career since, and not seen out since falling at Navan in December. Interesting runner, but this ground likely to be quick enough too, and best watched.

Form: 1613/2F-

Minella Foru⁸⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: N P Madden| T: E P Harty| OR: 137| D

33/1

Was making up into a useful handicap chaser in 2015 before an enforced absence meant we didn't see him again until January this year, when a reasonable fourth at Naas. A faller in the Irish Grand National latest and likely to find things happening a bit quick for him here.

Form: 5121/4F-

Thomas Edison^h,t⁵⁸⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 11-0| J: D Meyler| T: A J Martin| OR: 144| D

50/1

Very useful hurdler when last seen back in 2015 and was highly tried at both Punchestown and Fairyhouse. Not seen since then and will surely need this after over 18 months away. Should win more races, but best watched tonight.

Form: 00F347/

Forecasts

Ivan Grozny (1/1), Clondaw Warrior (9/2), Kitten Rock (5/1), Rashaan (5/1), Plinth (16/1), Moonday Sun (16/1), Minella Foru (33/1), Thomas Edison (50/1)

An interesting event. The likes of Thomas Edison and Kitten Rock would hold chances here on the best of their form, but it's tricky to know what both are capable of at present, and preference is for the proven ability of CLONDAW WARRIOR, far from disgraced at Belmont Park on his latest start and holds a class advantage over most of these. Ivan Grozny will be ready to defend his crown and gives the Willie Mullins camp a strong hand. Rashaan should go well and Moonday Sun could go better than his likely big price may suggest.