13:55 Leopardstown

The Noel Meade trained HARALD HARDRAD (best priced at 13-8) has to bounce back from a disappointing effort at Naas last time but he should be able to get off the mark over hurdles if he replicates the form of his hurdling debut. The seven-year-old won a Clonmel bumper by 11 lengths on his first start under rules before finishing a close 2nd on his hurdling debut in December.

Harald Hardrad only finished 2 ¼ lengths behind the Willie Mullins trained Whatdeawant that day over 2m4f before disappointing last time when dropped back in trip to 2 miles. He was badly outpaced that day so this step back up to 2m4f should suit him well and he should bounce back in this race.

Harald Hardrad - 1pt @ 13/8

16:50 Leopardstown

There are question marks surrounding a few of the fancied runners at the top of the market so preference goes to PALOMA BLUE (best priced at 40-1) who is starting to look well handicapped. The ten-year-old was previously a high class 152 rated chaser when trained by Henry De Bromhead but following a few below par efforts he has joined Andrew Lynch and is now rated 141.

Paloma Blue hasn’t worn cheekpieces on either of his two starts this season so it is interesting that they are now fitted with him dropped 4lbs from his latest run. They have booked a 7lb claimer to take further weight off his back and I think he is worth taking a chance on with five places on offer.

Paloma Blue - 0.5pts e/w @ 40/1