Kilcruit bids to bounce back from 1-14 Cork defeat in intriguing maiden hurdle

Wednesday: 12.35 Leopardstown
Pigsback.com Maiden Hurdle | 2m4f | 5yo+ | RTV/RTE

It may be a maiden hurdle in name, but in reality it is so much more and it looks sure to throw up any amount of Cheltenham Festival clues.

Kilcruit may have been beaten at 1-14 on his hurdling debut at Cork, but he was arguably the best bumper performer around last season and beat Cheltenham hero Sir Gerhard seemingly fair and square at Punchestown in April.

Willie Mullins expects Kilcruit to come on for his reappearance at Cork and the 12-1 available about him winning the Ballymore could look a big price come 12.45.

Mullins said: "Unfortunately, his form didn't get franked on Monday with Largy Debut, who beat him on his hurdling debut, pulling up in the Future Champions Novice Hurdle. Kilcruit seems to be fine after his reappearance run and I think that will bring him on a good bit. We're looking for him to make amends for getting beat down in Cork."

Minella Crooner comes into the race unbeaten. He won his sole point and justified odds-on favouritism in bumpers at Sligo and Punchestown. Gordon Elliott reports him to be in good form and expect a bold showing.

Elliott, who is also represented by Fiston Des Issards, said: "Minella Crooner has done nothing wrong so far and won his bumper nicely at Punchestown. He's a point winner and looks a nice young hurdler. Fiston Des Issards didn't run his race at Fairyhouse when we saw him last but his point win has work out well."

Journey With Me beat the smart Gentleman De Mai by 12 lengths when winning his sole point and looked right out of the top drawer when winning a Gowran Park bumper in March. He is priced between 10-1 and 14-1 for the Ballymore.

Falcon Eight, winner of the Chester Cup under Frankie Dettori in May and rated 109 on the Flat, is an intriguing recruit to hurdling, while Barbados chased home My Mate Mozzie on his sole appearance over hurdles.

FESTIVE OFFER: Racing Post Members' Club 50% off for three months!

'Tis the season to be jolly, and the perfect time to celebrate with a subscription to Racing Post Members' Club!

Featuring award-winning journalism, expert tips and renowned form study tools, this is the only racing subscription you need to stay ahead of the field.

Throughout the festive season you can get 50% off your first THREE months of Members' Club Ultimate. That's just £17.48 per month* to unlock all premium features.

Head to the offer page here to find out more!

*T&Cs apply