2m½f | Yielding | 4 runners

A small field, but not a soft race. This often acts as a pecking-order contest for top novice hurdlers, and with yielding ground at Punchestown, it will reward balance, jumping accuracy and the ability to travel strongly.

Sober (FR) sets the standard. Unbeaten over hurdles, a winner on yielding ground, and already a high-class performer on the Flat, he brings the strongest overall profile. His Killarney success wasn’t flawless from a jumping perspective, but his engine carried him through, and this sharper trip should suit his natural pace. With Paul Townend up and Willie Mullins targeting this race again, he looks the one they all have to beat.

Stablemate Free Spirit (FR) is the unknown quantity. A French recruit with solid form at Auteuil and Dieppe, he has ability but returns from a long break and makes his Irish debut in Grade 2 company. He may improve for the run, but the market will guide expectations.

Road Exile (IRE) brings the strongest Irish form outside the Mullins camp. A tough, genuine type, he made all in a Navan maiden and has already shown he can handle testing ground. He lacks the raw class of Sober but could make this a proper contest if allowed to dictate.

Frankie John (IRE) completes the line-up. A likeable, honest performer who finally got his head in front at Leopardstown, but this represents a significant jump in class on a quick turnaround. Likely to be outpaced if this turns tactical.

Verdict:
A race where quality should tell. Sober has the class edge and the right connections for this assignment, while Road Exile looks the most solid alternative if the favourite underperforms. Free Spirit is the wildcard, but this may be more about learning than winning.