Leading Contenders (Timeform Adjusted Ratings):

SIGHTS UNSEEN (TFR 110p)
Gavin Cromwell’s 6yo shaped with encouragement again when fourth at Clonmel over an inadequate 2m. That race has thrown up subsequent winners and she gives the impression of needing this longer trip. Potentially well-treated and unexposed.

OUR ZEBO (TFR 110)
Made all to win by 11 lengths at Tramore (2m5f) last month, his first hurdle win. Front-running tactics and good ground suited him there. However, he’s been quirky in the past and isn’t the most fluent jumper.

BUTCHERS BILL (TFR 113)
Cost €265,000 and represents Gordon Elliott, who’s had 2 winners in the last 10 runnings of this race. Sixth at Naas off a mark of 98 and likely capable of better at this trip. The weak pace forecast could suit his forward-going style.


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Main Dangers:

MOTHER SHIP (TFR 111)
Runner-up to Our Zebo at Tramore, staying on from off the pace. That form ties her in closely, though she’s now 5lb better off. Trainer John Joe Hanlon’s runners are usually respected around here.

TECHNOLOGY (TFR 112)
Ran with some promise in better races last summer and was second at Wexford off a similar mark. If able to bounce back, he’s feasibly handicapped and does act on good ground.

BISHBASHBOSH (TFR 109)
Mixed form but best effort came at Punchestown when second in a big-field handicap. Not sure to stay this far, but has been kept fresh and now switches yard.


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Interesting Outsider:

I’M FOR HOME (TFR 105)
Out of sorts last time but has placed form off this mark previously. Likes softer, but if market speaks positively, he could be one to include in wider exotics.


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Others:

SHE’LL BE KEPT and GO AVEL look out of form.

EARLOFBRACKENSTOWN returns from 472 days off and makes little appeal on past efforts.

GETAWAY ERIN and SALLAP both need a major revival.



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Trends & Trainer Notes:

Gordon Elliott has 2 wins in the past 10 renewals, and saddles Butchers Bill.

Winners aged 5 or 6 dominate recent editions.

All of the last 5 winners carried 11-5 or more – fits the profiles of the leading trio.



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Verdict:

SIGHTS UNSEEN is still unexposed and has shaped as if this trip will suit – she looks ready to get off the mark. Butchers Bill is respected, especially with Elliott’s record in the race and a pace setup that could help. Our Zebo has a solid chance if repeating his Tramore effort, but isn’t always trustworthy. Mother Ship and Technology can be included for place purposes.