John Thomas McNamara Series (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle

Lightly-raced 5-y-o showing gradual improvement in maidens before finishing fourth of 15 at Tipperary (11/2) 158 days ago when taking a keen hold and not fluent at obstacles. Makes handicap debut and lightly raced 5-y-o could have more to offer.

Showed more than previously when sixth at Navan but pulled up in handicap hurdle debut (field of 9) at Gowran Park (20/1) 16 days ago when quickly cutting out. First-time cheekpieces fitted and has a bit to prove now.

Consistent performer placed in 3 of last 4 completed starts, finishing third of 12 in handicap chase at Listowel (6/1) 22 days ago when making the running until last, one paced in straight. Now returning to hurdles without cheekpieces but remain on a career high mark in this sphere.

Poor recent form, finishing 13th of 16 in handicap hurdle at Listowel (16/1) 23 days ago when never involved. Steps up markedly in trip with plenty to prove.

Improved to fifth at Cork over 3m (33/1) in May. Struggled when dropped in distance at Listowel (100/1) last month, best not judged on that run. Returns to preferred 3m for handicap debut where better performance expected.

Shaped well to finish fourth of 19 in handicap hurdle at Galway (22.4f) but had little chance when caught too far back finishing sixth of 10 in 3m handicap hurdle at Roscommon (17/2) 20 days ago. On a handy mark if things pan out better here.

Ran third in handicap hurdle at Kilbeggan in June. Eighth of 14 in handicap hurdle at Gowran Park (9/1) 15 days ago when racing off the pace, taking closer order but weakening when driven. Inconsistency remains an issue.

Inconsistent sort was backed on long odds on stable debut when second of 12 in handicap chase at Leopardstown (9/1) 230 days ago. Blinkers that sparked improvement removed for return to hurdles and marked should guide expectations on reappearance.

Showed promise at Wexford in August but regressed since, finishing ninth of 14 in handicap hurdle at Gowran Park (66/1) 15 days ago. Cheekpieces refitted and stepping back up to 3m today. Remains to be seen if she can recapture some form.

Won at this course and distance but that was over two years ago (now 17 runs without success). Placed in handicaps before seventh of 8 in claimer at Bellewstown (20/1) 53 days ago, faced impossible task at the weights. May find this more suitable back in a handicap over 3m.

Inconsistent performer but achieved fourth runner-up finish over fences when second of 12 in handicap chase at Killarney (14/1) 14 days ago. Switches back to hurdles but uncertain to maintain that form despite lower hurdles mark.