Holly Tree to appreciate drop in class

THE dropped-in-class Holly Tree is the choice to win the Irish National Hunt Festival Novice Hurdle at Punchestown this afternoon.

Dusty Sheehy's seven-year-old has improved throughout the season, producing his best effort in a Grade 2 on this track earlier in the month. An easy winner at Limerick previously, Holly Tree showed he continues on the upgrade with a highly creditable third behind shock 50-1 winner, Orbit O'Gold, and De Valira, in what was a very well contested event.

The hat-trick seeking Wins Now, who gained smooth successes at Navan and Cork, is rated the biggest danger.