Halley hoping Picotee can follow up recent success

Slaney Handicap Hurdle | 2m | 4yo+ | ATR

Joseph O'Brien's string appear in rude health and he is represented by ex-Ballydoyle horse Hallmark in in the feature contest at Wexford.

Hallmark was travelling sweetly before he was brought down on the home turn at Tipperary last summer before going on to land a Roscommon maiden hurdle convincingly. He disappointed on unsuitably soft ground on his most recent start in October and bids to defy an absence of 234 days.

Gordon Elliott is doubly represented with Boudry, who is making his first start for the stable since joining from Warren Greatrex, and Orchard Road, who has not enjoyed much fortune on his last three starts – falling at Cork, slipping up at Limerick and falling four out at the Punchestown festival last month.

Waterford-based Vincent Halley saddles recent Kilbeggan scorer Mr Picotee, with Andrew Lynch again on board. An 8lb rise for a success 12 days ago at Kilbeggan makes his task much tougher but he is on an upward curve.

It's been a long time between drinks for bottomweight Alterno, who hasn't won since getting off the mark on his debut here in March last year, while Henry de Bromhead relies on The King Of Brega, who ran respectably here last month.

Wexford wonder

Magna Cartor has been a frequent traveller since joining Shark Hanlon, with appearances at Cheltenham in November and March. However, he has shown a liking for this track, with his most recent success coming here in October last year.

Halley's flying high

Trainer Vincent Halley's horses have been in fine form recently with two winners and a second from his last five runners. A €1 stake on each of those runners would have yielded a profit of €16.50. Mr Picotee bids to continue his fine form.

What they say

Shark Hanlon, trainer of Magna Cartor
He ran well last time and with a little bit of luck he won't be far away. He's run well here before.

Vincent Halley, trainer of Mr Picotee
He has to step up again but we're hopeful of a big run. He came out of Kilbeggan well and went up 8lb, but he did it well. He's going in the right direction. The McManus horse Hallmark could be a danger.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Orchard Road and Boudry
Boudry hasn't been showing us much at home and we'll just have to see how he runs. Orchard Road has been very disappointing this year. Hopefully he'll run well but he's been unlucky with the ground on his last few runs.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Hallmark
He's in good form, it's his first run after a break and we're hoping he runs well. We think he'll come on for the run.