Fiveforthree is good value
He has to overcome an absence of 326 days, over a trip short of his best, so it will be fascinating to note how Fiveforthree travels both in the market and the racecourse.
The grey has not been seen since finishing two lengths runner-up behind Tranquil Sea in a two and a half mile Grade 1 at the Punchestown Festival in April.
Prior to that he found two miles too short when third to Jered and Salford City at Fairyhouse and, of course, scored at the Cheltenham Festival a year ago when beating Venalmar, Trafford Lad and Forpadydeplasterer in the Ballymore Properties' Novice Hurdle.
Two miles round this tight track is far from ideal for Fiveforthree, who is surely being geared at bigger targets at the likes of Fairyhouse and Punchestown later on. Nevertheless, he gets the vote, having looked in good shape when working nicely at the recent pre-Cheltenham gallops at Leopardstown. Ruby Walsh parners Fiveforthree and he and Mullins can combine as well to take the Curracloe Maiden Hurdle with Tawaagg.
He failed to get to grips with Just Friends at Thurles last month, going under by a length and three parts. It was a further 16 lengths back to the third and this is an easier assignment.
At Down Royal today, Mullins' Arbor Supreme is the nap choice in the three and a quarter mile Guinness Chase.
He has looked much improved in his last three outings, continuing on an upward curve in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park in January when third to Preists Leap and Chelsea Harbour.
The fourth horse then, Emmna Jane, boosted the form at Naas on Saturday and Arbor Supreme is fancied to outstay One Cool Cookie, a classy sort who may struggle to get the trip.
Jessica Harrington's Dundrum is the one to beat in the opening Smirnoff Maiden Hurdle.
Fourth on his debut behind Sorceror at Punchestown, he stepped up on that effort to chase home Sports Line, also at Punchestown.
Sports Line put that effort in context with an effortless success in a novice hurdle at Naas on Saturday.
