Matheson Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 3m 48.6s

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Selected odds by:

Aramon²⁴³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: D E Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 148| CD

12/1

Was a Grade One winner as a novice at Leopardstown last season. Came home at the rear of six runners in the Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown (2m½f) back in April, 36L behind Klassical Dream. Has a lot to find on many of his rivals.

Form: 31262-6

Klassical Dream⁴³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 160| BF| CD

10/11

Was unbeaten in four runs last season as a novice, with the highlight of his campaign being his victory in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Finished third of five on his return to action in the Grade One Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown (2m). Big player.

Form: P/111-13

Petit Mouchoir^p⁴³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 154| CD

7/1

A C&D winner who has not been successful since scoring over fences at Punchestown (2m) in October 2017. Produced his best run in a while when he was second in the Morgiana Hurdle last time out. Others appeal more.

Form: 304-442

Sharjah^t⁴³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Mr P W Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 162| CD

9/2

Won this race last year but has not been able to follow up in two attempts since. He was fourth of five in the Morgiana Hurdle on his return to action. Likely to build upon on his season opener. Not one to ignore over this C&D.

Form: 1311B-4

Coeur Sublime⁵⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 11-7| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 155| D

10/3

Produced a career best last time when he was a 15L winner of a Grade Two contest at Down Royal. Was second in the Triumph Hurdle last season. One to consider as he bids for his first Grade One success.

Form: 2F423-1

Non-Runners

Darasso²⁸⁶

Weight: 11-10| Age: 6

T: J P O'Brien J: B J Geraghty

Apple's Jade¹

Weight: 11-3| Age: 7

T: G Elliott J: M P Walsh

Forecasts

Klassical Dream (10/11), Coeur Sublime (10/3), Sharjah (9/2), Darasso (5/1), Petit Mouchoir (7/1), Aramon (12/1), Apple's Jade (14/1)

KLASSICAL DREAM was the leading novice hurdler last season in the 2m division and he can get back to winning ways here to boost his Champion Hurdle claims. He wasn't at his best on his seasonal reappearance at Punchestown but expect him to be much fitter this time around. Coeur Sublime was impressive last time when he was a comfortable winner of a Grade Two event at Down Royal and he can put up a strong challenge here, while Darasso is in great form and should be taken to finish in the placings.