Eustace heads classy Gowran field

Dual Smurfit Champion Hurdle winner Hardy Eustace could face eight rivals if he lines up in the Grade Two Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran on Saturday.

Dessie Hughes’ nine-year-old will be out to atone for his no-show in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown in January when he trailed home last behind Brave Inca.

Macs Joy, who finished runner-up on that occasion, is another possible for the two-mile event at the weekend.

The Tom Mullins-trained Asian Maze is set to make her eagerly-awaited return after she was last seen winning the Grade One Menolly Homes Champion Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival in April 2005.

Paul Nolan’s useful handicapper Escrea, Charlie Swan’s Ground Ball and Morgiana Hurdle second Essex could also feature.

McGruders Cross, Sky’s The Limit and Tolpuddle complete the list at the five-day declaration stage.