'He's absolutely flying' - John Ryan in bullish mood ahead of Grade 3 bid

Markaye Contracts Ltd Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle (Grade 3) | 2m4½f | 5yo+ | RTV

The Little Yank is a super horse who rarely runs a bad race, but the fact that the 130-rated seven-year-old is likely to play a leading role in this Grade 3 says everything about the standard.

Willie Mullins, who last won this contest in 2020 with Five O'Clock, relies on Berkshire Royal, who hasn't been seen since winning a novice hurdle at Kilbeggan last May.

Gordon Elliott's runner, The Goffer, does not look especially progressive either and the race has an open feel.

The Oliver McKiernan-trained Gatsby Grey ran down the field in a Grade 1 behind Sir Gerhard at the Dublin Racing Festival and, while this represents a big drop in class, he needs to bounce back from that poor display as he is fitted with a first-time hood.

That leaves Captain Conby as the biggest threat to The Little Yank. Dusty Sheehy's runner is one of the least exposed in the field and perhaps hasn't got the credit he deserves for winning twice, albeit narrowly, over hurdles at Punchestown.

He could well progress past The Little Yank but the John Ryan-trained topweight is battle-hardened and sets a reasonable standard.

A decent pace would suit The Little Yank and he could be up to giving away the weight in a poor-looking Grade 3.

What they say

John Ryan, trainer of The Little Yank and Ferdia
The Little Yank is absolutely flying. He won well here last time and I couldn't have been happier with him since. As long as he gets a good pace, I don't think there's anything we'd be fearful of. He's classy when he's on form and he's the one they all have to beat. We haven't seen the best of Ferdia. He has a big engine but I don't think he'll trouble The Little Yank here.

Dusty Sheehy, trainer of Captain Conby
He’s in great form. The trip will suit him well and he’s improving, so we go into the race very hopeful. He’s done very little wrong and his fall in December was unfortunate. We’re happy to step him up to this grade.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Berkshire Royal
He's been off for a while and he’d really prefer nicer ground but I need to get a race into him.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of The Goffer
He has something to find on the ground and it’s a step up in class but I hope he’ll run well.

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday