13:20 Naas

Willie Mullins saddled the winner of this contest 12 months ago and he appears to have two solid chances with FARID and Runrized this time around. The latter won over 1m2f on the Flat in France and warrants plenty of respect on his NH debut, but J P McManus' representative already has hurdles experience under his belt, having run well at both Fairyhouse and Punchestown, and that could stand him in good stead heading into this race. Lignou took giant strides forward from his first to his second start in this code and also merits consideration with blinkers now fitted.
Prediction : 1st Farid 2nd Runrized 3rd Lignou

13:50 Naas

ESPOIR D'ALLEN has returned in great nick this season, winning Grade 3 contests both over C&D and at Limerick by a combined total of 19 lengths, and he looks capable of giving weight and a beating to these older rivals. Wicklow Brave is quirky but full of talent and hopefully he can be competitive stepping down from the top level, although Gordon Elliott's Tombstone might pose the bigger threat. He arguably produced a career-best performance when third behind Sharjah in the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown over the Christmas period.
Prediction : 1st Espoir DAllen 2nd Tombstone 3rd Wicklow Brave

14:20 Naas

Champagne Classic is arguably the most interesting runner in the line-up making his first start since beating Penhill, Monalee, Al Boum Photo and Presenting Percy amongst others at the 2017 Punchestown Festival. However, he is entitled to improve plenty for the run, while Chris's Dream warrants respect following his chase debut success at Navan. It may pay to concentrate on last month's Punchestown form that Shady Operator and BALLYWARD bring to the table. The former just got the better of the argument 27 days ago, but Willie Mullins' charge is open to greater improvement and might be able to reverse that form.
Prediction : 1st Ballyward 2nd Shady Operator 3rd Chriss Dream