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Race Conditions & Shape

A low-grade maiden hurdle over 2m1½f on good ground. With no confirmed front-runners and a weak overall pace forecast, tactical positioning may matter. No draw bias, but the early position map suggests a field predominantly made up of mid-to-rear runners. Those able to race handily (e.g. Kamino Bello, Faithful Follower) may be at an advantage.

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Leading Contenders

FAITHFUL FOLLOWER (TFR adj 89+) – 8/10
Former bumper performer, now with Emmet Mullins. Achieved a Timeform adjusted 92 when runner-up at Down Royal in November. Latest fifth at Wexford on seasonal return suggests there’s more to come with fitness improved. Worth noting the yard’s placement here. May be the most solid on balance.

KAMINO BELLO (TFR adj 79+) – 7.5/10
Bumper form limited, but his pedigree (Montmartre x German middle-distance dam) and point background suggest he’s likely better than what we’ve seen. Market support on hurdles debut would be significant given Gavin Cromwell’s record in such races.

MAROTO (TFR adj 115+ in 2024) – 7/10
Ex-Willie Mullins. Ran to a high level last summer and autumn (notably 3rd at Roscommon), but last two starts were poor. Off 116 days and now with Andrew McNamara. Tied tongue-tie retained. Fitness the question mark, but back form is some of the best in this.

SAN FRANCO (TFR adj 113+) – 6.5/10
A mixed bag in bumpers and hurdling, but his adjusted figure when falling at the last at Roscommon (while in second) stands out. Looked in need of the run last time. Another returning from 90+ days – market support would be informative.

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Main Dangers

AT THE WINGS (TFR 106) – 6.5/10
Off 242 days but showed fair bumper form and is bred for this sort of trip. Norman Lee doesn’t have a notable record in this race, but this gelding has potential if ready. Hood retained.

PARKGARVE (TFR 69) – 6/10
Half-brother to Slade Steel. Ran green in a bumper at Down Royal but shaped with some promise. Hurdling debut here. Could step forward but not straightforward on bare form.

SAINT PEREGRINE (TFR 101) – 6/10
Showed a glimmer of form when seventh at Down Royal last week. Adjusted figure of 101 was respectable in that context. Open to some improvement with experience.

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Interesting Outsiders

NO DEMAND – ? – 5.5/10
Unexposed sort with no racecourse form but well-related and from a capable small yard. Little to go on but worth monitoring in the market.

PATRICK STREET (TFR 89+) – 5/10
Best effort came when sixth at Naas. Beaten a long way since. Needs to step up but has at least run to a base level.

BIG TOM – 3/10
Two starts well apart and both poor. Hard to recommend.

MONNOW VALLEY – 2.5/10
Flat maiden and poor in all three hurdle starts. Tailed off most recently.

SHORE – 2/10
Pulled up on hurdles debut and no promise shown. Absent 714 days.

FLORIDA TAIGA – 2.5/10
Modest on the Flat and hurdling form very limited.

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Trainers with Previous Winners

• Peter Fahey (2024 winner): No runner this year
• John McConnell (2023 winner): No runner
  No trainer has a particularly dominant recent record in this contest.

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Each-Way Angle (13 runners)

With 13 runners declared, each-way betting applies. The two likeliest to hit the frame beyond the top pair could be San Franco and At The Wings, both with past form suggesting they’re up to placing at this level.

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Ratings Summary (out of 10)

Horse	Rating
FAITHFUL FOLLOWER	8
KAMINO BELLO	7.5
MAROTO	7
SAN FRANCO	6.5
AT THE WINGS	6.5
PARKGARVE	6
SAINT PEREGRINE	6
NO DEMAND	5.5
PATRICK STREET	5
BIG TOM	3
MONNOW VALLEY	2.5
SHORE	2
FLORIDA TAIGA	2.5

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Tissue Estimate (based on adjusted ratings, profiles, and trainer intent)

• Faithful Follower – 3/1
• Kamino Bello – 7/2
• Maroto – 5/1
• San Franco – 7/1
• At The Wings – 8/1
• Parkgarve – 10/1
• Saint Peregrine – 10/1
• No Demand – 20/1
• Others – 33/1 bar

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Market Watch Advice

Several key runners are returning from breaks over 90 days: Maroto, Faithful Follower, At The Wings, and Shore. Keep an eye on the market for any sustained support or notable drifts, especially in the final 15 minutes.