Trip and ground perfect for Lamb
The grey is 9lbs wrong with Toner D’Oudairies and 3lbs with Make A Track, but still has plenty going for him.
Much interest is added to the contest, with Bryan Cooper partnering Toner D’Oudairies for Gigginstown and Davy Russell their other candidate, Make A Track.
Toner D’Oudairies was last seen when chasing home Arvika Ligeonniere in a Grade 2 at Clonmel, over two and a half miles, but dropping back in trip is not guaranteed to work in his favour.
Make A Track produced a fine display at Limerick at Christmas, taking what had the appearances of a competitive handicap by 15 lengths, but two and a quarter miles around this course may also be on the sharp side for him.
In contrast, it looks just about perfect for Rupert Lamb. He made his seasonal debut at Naas in November, beating Dylan Ross by a comfortable two and three quarter lengths.
That is ordinary enough form, but Rupert Lamb is entitled to come on plenty and will relish travelling an extra two furlongs and far more testing conditions.
That selection represents Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh and the combination also have prospects with Urano in the thurles.ie Maiden Hurdle.
Utterly frustrating thus far, he is worth another chance. Urano was given a major move up in distance over two miles and six at Thurles last time.
There was every possibility it was going to work the oracle as the field headed for the final flight, contest won by Thunder And Roses.
But fate intervened with a smooth moving Urano, right in contention, clipping heels a few strides before the obstacle, sending Walsh crashing to the turf.
Robert Tyner’s Sterling Stuff gets the nod in the Horse And Jockey Handicap Hurdle, having won here by nine lengths over fences on his latest appearance. He reappears now off a mark that is 9lbs below his current rating as a chaser.
