Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Hurdle

Off time: 15:50 | Winning time: 6m 11.2s

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Selected odds by:

Gun Digger²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 130

9/4

Not out of the places in three starts since the turn of the year including a win at Down Royal over 2m3½f in a novice hurdle. Running style gives him a big chance in this field.

Form: 144312

Minella Fair^t²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Sean Flanagan| T: N Meade| OR: 125| D

9/4

Has failed to build on an early season win at Punchestown in November with two below-par efforts the latest at Naas last month. Not one to totally leave out of calculations.

Form: 221-153

The Conditional¹²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: A E Lynch| T: M Hassett

10/1

Conqueror of Caltex who bombed yesterday at Limerick on last appearance at Thurles. Looks up against it here.

Form: 4-P1521

Force Of Forces³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins

5/2

Won on second start for the stable following a move from the Venetia Williams yard and can continue improvement here.

Form: F8-41

High Sparrow³⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: J J Slevin| T: J P O'Brien

7/1

Won his last bumper and maiden hurdle at Punchestown last month. Capable of running a big race and open to further improvement.

Form: 211

Forecasts

Minella Fair (9/4), Gun Digger (9/4), Force Of Forces (5/2), High Sparrow (7/1), The Conditional (10/1)

The Joseph O'Brien-trained High Sparrow is likely to make the early running here with Minella Fair and Forces Of Forces in pursuit. The early pace in the ground could be advantageous to the Jack Kennedy-ridden GUN DIGGER who can repeat his win at Down Royal when travelling well in to the race eventually landing the spoils.