Supreme Novices' Hurdle

Very lightly raced 7yo; won French bumper on soft ground in 2021; strong promise over hurdles for Willie Mullins, finishing third behind highly notable rivals at Fairyhouse in late 2023 then making all for an impressive win at Punchestown (1m7f, good) four months ago; potentially smart.

Represents last year's winning stable and is a promising sort who comes here fresh, having been absent since his Christmas performance at Leopardstown (2m, yielding; second rules attempt) where he made all to beat William Munny by 7l in a maiden hurdle and added to his point win; seems set for a tighter encounter with that opponent, who took a big step forward last month, but brings lots of potential and good credentials; one for the shortlist.

Fresh contender, having been absent since his Christmas success in Grade 1 contest at Leopardstown (2m, yielding; driven clear) when taking hurdles record to 2-3; good second in last year's Champion Bumper (soft) and holds solid claims returned to the Cheltenham Festival.

Has the better form of the two British contenders; comfortably bagged Grade 2 honours at Kempton (2m, good to soft; bled from nose) most recently, taking hurdles record to 3-4; not the best of jumpers and can't afford to lack fluency at this higher level; otherwise useful and progressive.

Highly notable form (clear second behind Sir Gino) in sole French outing; lack of experience counted against him in last year's Triumph Hurdle on debut for Willie Mullins; 2-2 this season, winning Tipperary maiden by 62l then overcoming a lack of fluency in Grade 2 at Punchestown (2m1f, soft) where he quickened best off the steady pace and scored by 3l; could well rate higher still, especially given the potential retained from his debut effort; big player.

One of six runners for Willie Mullins; finished second in sole French start, then went one better at Clonmel (2m1f, soft) where the field lacked strength in depth but he justified short odds in comfortable fashion; now goes into much deeper waters but is highly unexposed.

Scored comfortably at Cork (1m7f, soft) on debut over hurdles but had no excuses, having dictated the pace, in Grade 2 event at Punchestown where he finished almost 4l behind Salvator Mundi; well down this pack on bare figures and stable has a stronger chance with Workahead.

One of only two British runners; ran well behind progressive Joyeuse (Mares' Hurdle contender) on debut for Paul Nicholls then made all at Ffos Las (2m, good to soft); ran creditably under a penalty at Newbury (soft) and is proving consistent but this looks a much tougher assignment.

Respectable third in sole Grade 1 attempt (final start in bumpers); opened his hurdles account with an effortless Listed novice win at Punchestown (2m, soft; went clear on the bridle) last month when ridden by Sean Flanagan for the first time and settling better than previously in this sphere; now goes in first-time hood as an extra measure, which allies with the likely strong pace; peaking at the right time and looks set for an interesting rematch with Workahead, who beat him at Leopardstown in December; owner-trainer landed this prize two years ago with a horse ridden by Michael O'Sullivan, who very sadly lost his life recently and is honoured in the race title today; a fitting success is conceivable, with further improvement likely.

Ex-French 5yo who won well at Tramore (2m, soft to heavy) on debut for Willie Mullins; subsequently beaten in Leopardstown Grade 1 contests won by Romeo Coolio and stablemate Kopek Des Bordes, running well last time but no match for the winner; fitting of hood needs to make a difference.

Not without flaws, having shown signs of being an edgy/fizzy sort who could potentially boil over in this highly bustling arena, but he now wears a first-time hood which may prove beneficial; otherwise an exciting prospect who maintained his unbeaten record with an impressive display, despite taking a good hold, at Leopardstown (2m, soft) in a Grade 1 event that regularly throws up Cheltenham Festival winners; that latest performance, which also featured a better round of jumping than on hurdles debut, launched him into favouritism for this race; much respected.

Made all and easily drew well clear in the closing stages at Punchestown (2m, heavy; second run for Willie Mullins) six weeks ago, proving suited by the drop back in trip and adding to his French bumper win; suitably bred, being out of a half-sister to his yard's dual Cheltenham Festival scorer Sir Des Champs, and brings potential; interesting.