Triumph Hurdle runner-up Coeur Sublime back in action under Davy Russell

1.45 Down Royal
WKD Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m½f | 4yo+ | RTV

First step on the road

The WKD Hurdle was the starting point for Jezki's Champion Hurdle-winning campaign back in 2013, while 2017 winner Melon went on to finish runner-up to Buveur D'Air at Cheltenham the following March.

This year's line-up does not look as strong as other recent runnings, but the presence of last season's Triumph Hurdle second Coeur Sublime certainly adds some intrigue to the contest.

Coeur Sublime traded at a low of even-money when jumping the final hurdle in front at Cheltenham, but he could not match the pace of Pentland Hills on the uphill climb to the line.

Only two four-year-olds – Rashaan and Gimli's Rock – have won this race in the last ten years. Coeur Sublime and Coko Beach look to defy that trend this year.

Trainer Gordon Elliott said: "He ran a cracker when second in the Triumph last year, but he disappointed us a little bit at Fairyhouse afterwards.

"He's a big horse and he just seemed to take a while to grow into himself. He's a classy horse who works very well and this looks a nice race to start him off in this season."

While Coeur Sublime, who is a general 40-1 shot for the Unibet Champion Hurdle, is making his comeback, stablemate Coko Beach already has a wide-margin win to his name at Punchestown last month.

Elliott said: "The race set up nicely for Coko Beach at Punchestown as they seemed to go very quick up front. He's a stayer who ideally wants further but this race fits in nicely. He seems in good form."

First and last?

Triplicate was a classy novice hurdler last season and proved too good for subsequent Grade 1 winner Aramon at Listowel, before going on to chase home Quick Grabim in the Grade 1 Royal Bond at Fairyhouse in December.

Triplicate: a wide-margin winner at GalwayCredit: Patrick McCann

He has an official rating of 141 and Joseph O'Brien has decided to take in this race before heading over fences.

O'Brien said: "He could go novice chasing later in the season and he likes soft ground. He’s a bit heavy at the moment and we won’t be in a rush with him, but he’s a nice prospect."

Mountain to climb

Western Victory comes into the contest on the back of two wins from her last three starts, but the trip could catch her out as her previous victories this year have come over further.

The quintet is completed by the 95-rated Laureate, who looks to have a mountain to climb.

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