Stay on track with Casey Jones
There is no doubt the five-year-old would prefer a longer trip than this two miles, but looks easily the best horse in the contest and has to get the vote.
He won his maiden over two miles and six at Down Royal and it was two and a half at Navan last time when tackling Footy Facts.
Ultimately, the selection proved no match for his well-regarded opponent, but was far from disgraced in finishing nine lengths runner-up and was 12 lengths clear of the third.
Orge d’Ete, Davorin and Holly Tree are useful sorts in their own right, but it will be a surprise should any of them match strides with Casey Jones.
Perce Rock will be a tight price, on his jumping debut, in the Christmas Vouchers At Gowran Golf Shop Maiden Hurdle, but can hardly be opposed. He won by a distance at the first time of asking at Leopardstown and then ran a cracker when fourth to Hairy Molly in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
And Perce Rock has reportedly schooled well.
The market will be the best guide to some very interesting runners off the flat in the Fancy A Festive Flutter three-year-old Hurdle, but from this range Victoria Night gets the nod.
Frances Crowley's mare continues to go the right way, producing another solid effort when third to Sophist and Financial Reward at Fairyhouse.
Lightly-raced Prince Massini could pop up in the Gowran Park Golfers' Grill Maiden Hurdle.
He performed well enough when third to Bulls And Mortar at Cork and the form was boosted when the fourth, Shanghide, scored at Punchestown on Sunday.
Chiraaz, a promising fourth behind Stradbrook at Punchestown in October, is burdened with the vote in the Bumper.
