Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle Guide

Trainer - Willie Mullins

Jockey -

Won his maiden hurdle on his first start for Willie Mullins, having been a useful horse on the flat in his German days for Markus Klug.

Made a successful jump up to a Grade Three in November when beating Magnium and stable companion Quick Grabim, but something clearly a miss when the latter reversed the form in a first time Grade One.

Can only be put that down as an off day, and has since landed the Future Champions Novice Hurdle over the course and distance over Christmas.

If on top form, looks a serious contender and will be in the hunt for another win.

Trainer - Henry De Bromhead

Jockey -

Last of the six behind Aramon in the Future Champions Novice Hurdle here at Leopardstown a few days before the end of the year.

A win and a second on two outings at Punchestown in between November and December, but eased down when last seen and perhaps this grade is all too much.

Plenty to put right.

Trainer - Gordon Elliott

Jockey -

Sixth in the Champion Bumper - best of the Elliott band, has had a mixed start to life over obstacles.

Won on his hurdles bow at Galway, before finishing last of seven when sent off an even money favourite.

Since then, he finished fifth in the same sized field at the same venue two weeks later, before finishing a much better second to Willie Mullins' Salsaretta in heavy conditions at Limerick.

A somewhat surprise victory in the Moscow Flyer three weeks ago proves ability is clearly there, but need to see it all here once again.

Trainer - Joseph O'Brien

Jockey -

One of three for the young pretender Joseph O'Brien, who firstly saddles Lone Wolf in the JP colours.

Won his bumper at the fourth attempt in April of last year, and has only had the two runners over hurdles.

Winning on debut on December the 1st, he failed to transition that effort into Grade company, when finishing at the one pace in the closing stages of the Lawlor's of Naas.

Another go here and more needed.

Trainer - Willie Mullins

Jockey -

This 9yo believe it or not made a winning return to the race scene on his first ever start over hurdles, having been off the track for over thirty months.

A very smart horse for Mullins in bumpers, this chestnut held plenty of ability and finally got his chance to prove his promise - hopefully now he can stay injury free to build on.

Interesting.

Trainer - Joseph O'Brien

Jockey -

Another for O'Brien and another in the colours of JP, except this 6yo - a son of Galileo, began life over obstacles very smartly indeed.

Notched up a couple of wins over the summer at Galway and Listowel, before being defeated twice at the hands of Quick Grabim, who has since been ruled out through injury.

Fourth to Aramon over Christmas, so definite ground to make up.

Trainer - Noel Meade

Jockey -

Finally landed a bumper on Boxing last year (same season) after a three close efforts before saw him find one just horse just too good.

Travelled notably well when landing his maiden just under a month ago and now makes the jump up into a top class field.

Intriguing selection and could be more to offer.

Trainer - Henry De Bromhead

Jockey -

Related to plenty of good horses in bumpers, and was the second foal out of Morning Supreme (sire - Milan).

Two effort over hurdles, and was not beaten all that far by Buildmeupbuttercup in a maiden in December - form that sadly has not been boosted since.

Third here on Boxing Day to Klassical Dream and Entoucas, so a few lengths to make up on that basis.

Trainer - Willie Mullins

Jockey -

Second on one and only start over hurdles for the Champion Trainer, and only four lengths down on big fancy Vision D'honneur.

Travelled well before keeping on at the one pace in the closing stages and making no impression on an easy winner, but would of learned a lot that day and should come on further from that effort.

Not to be disregarded.

Trainer - Joseph O'Brien

Jockey -

Two efforts over hurdles, two good efforts and two second placed finishes - most recently finishing just under two lengths down on Klassical Dream.

More required here in a more in depth field, but not without the chance to do so.

Trainer - Willie Mullins

Jockey -

One of the more stranger purchases heading to a Mullins yard in recent years.

Hard to fancy from his record with Mlle Gallorini in France, when last seen pulling up over two miles in a conditions contest.

Mullins however has worked his magic and all of a sudden this 4yo looks a leading contender in this division.

Must follow up that maiden effort however to prove that was no fluke.

Trainer - Henry De Bromhead

Jockey -

One start over hurdles and that was a smart success in a maiden here between Christmas and New Year's.

Interesting decision to drop back to two miles where he did not have must joy on the flat, so must prove many critics on the decision wrong.

Each way claims at best.

Trainer - Gordon Elliott

Jockey -

Burst on the scene with his win in a maiden at Punchestown three weeks ago - beating Elixir D'ainay from the Mullins yard, and a win here should sure up his Supreme profile.

Fourth on debut to two further rivals he meets again today, but has come a long way in a very short period of time.

Major player.

Trainer - Henry De Bromhead

Jockey -

Another chance for De Bromhead with the one and only mare in the field, and recieves the 6lb allowance from all her rivals.

Won a point back in the day for Richard Black before being picked up for big money at the Cheltenham sales. Fourth on debut, before winning her maiden at Down Royal on Boxing Day.

Another step required.