Conditions: 3m 1f | 5yo+ | Maiden Hurdle | €6,000 | 17 runners
Going: Good to yielding
Timeform Race Standard: 129 average (recent winners ranged 123–133)
Pace Forecast: Weak
Pace Angle: With a weak early gallop predicted, forward-going horses may get a tactical advantage. However, Bitofajokelike appears capable of overcoming any scenario based on Timeform comments. The early map suggests a mostly midfield bunching with little pace pressure.

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Strongest Contenders

BITOFAJOKELIKE (Timeform adjusted rating 130)
Big improver when second at Cork last time, pulling clear with the winner and leaving the rest well behind. That run suggests he’s well above average for this grade and he’s proven over a staying trip. Has traded well in-running and seems straightforward tactically.
Rating: 9/10

WILLIAM BUTLER (adjusted rating 115)
Bumper winner from a respected yard. Ran respectably on hurdling debut at Limerick, shaping as though this longer trip would bring improvement. Strong connections and entitled to progress.
Rating: 8.5/10

MASHALLA HABIBI (adjusted rating 124)
Unlucky runner-up at Limerick when short-priced favourite. Improving with each start and already proven at around 2½ miles. Bred to stay this far and looks a reliable proposition.
Rating: 8/10

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Main Dangers

KIR (adjusted rating 119)
Stepped up on previous efforts when eighth in a large field at Fairyhouse. The form has depth and the horse is bred to stay. Rachael Blackmore keeps the ride and the stable has a good recent record in this race.
Rating: 7.5/10

FORTUNE THE BRAVE (adjusted rating 86)
Bumper winner for John McConnell and has shown minor promise in two hurdle starts. Step up to 3m1f looks a positive move and he may improve again with experience.
Rating: 6.5/10

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Interesting Outsiders and Watching Briefs

LACADUV
Expensive purchase (€185,000) who ran poorly on debut in a bumper. Now goes hurdling and will likely stay well based on pedigree. Trainer has another leading hope here, so the market may be informative.
Rating: 6/10

INSOUCIANT DALLIER (adjusted rating 82)
Showed fair form when second at Sligo in 2023 but has offered little since and returns from 133 days off. Hard to fancy on recent evidence.
Rating: 4/10

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Layoff Watch (90+ Days)

• Insouciant Dallier – off 133 days
• Tunnel of Hope – off over 4 years, previously ran in 2020 bumper (not expected to be competitive)

The market will be the best guide to fitness and intent for any returning runners.

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Trends and Trainer Notes

• Henry de Bromhead has trained two of the last four winners of this race (2022 and both divisions in 2021) and saddles Kir.
• John McConnell (trainer of Fortune the Brave) shows a positive level-stakes profit when stepping hurdlers up in trip.
• Eric McNamara’s Bitofajokelike is clear top-rated and his Cork form is working out well.

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Tissue Estimate (Top 10)

Horse	Tissue Odds
Bitofajokelike	5/2
William Butler	3/1
Mashalla Habibi	4/1
Kir	13/2
Lacaduv	10/1
Fortune the Brave	12/1
Political Stance	16/1
Kildinan Prince	16/1
Insouciant Dallier	25/1
Tunnel of Hope	66/1