12:15 Naas

Gabynako, Uhtred and Ashroe Diamond were all winning favourites in this race in recent years and I am expecting KING OF KINGSFIELD (best priced at 15/8) to get off the mark over hurdles on his second attempt. The Gordon Elliott trained gelding was an impressive 30 length winner of a PTP before making an impressive debut in a bumper when victiorious by 3 ½ lengths at Down Royal in November. He finished 5th a Leopardstown over Christmas before finishing 3rd in the Punchestown Champion Bumper behind A Dream To Share.

King Of Kingsfield was expected to make a winning hurdling debut at Fariyhouse a month ago when sent off 2/5 favourite but he was beaten by ½ length by a smart looking prospect in Redstone. The pair pulled 17 lengths clear of the third so it looks strong form and he expected to get back to winning ways in this race.

King Of Kingsfield - 1pt

13:40 Sandown

Classic Anthem has the benefit of hurdling experience following his 2nd placed effort at Kempton in May but preference instead goes to SOUTHOFTHEBORDER (best priced at 8/11) who is an exciting novice hurdler for the season ahead. The Nicky Henderson trained five-year-old cost £145k following a PTP victory in November and he created a big impression when winning a bumper at Ffos Las by three lengths in March.

Southoftheborder eased clear that day in impressive style and despite the form not looking the strongest since, he should prove extremely hard to beat in this race for a jockey-trainer combination that won this in 2019 with Keen On.

Southoftheborder - 1pt