Bleu De Vassy should prove a warm favorite after putting in a smart performance to come home 25 lengths ahead in a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse last month, but strong opposition awaits him in an intriguing Grade 3 novice hurdle .

He traveled and jumped with great verve during his debut over hurdles and the acceleration he showed after the last to clear was particularly gripping. The opposition didn’t put up much resistance but the weather was decent and he proved he could handle this type of terrain.

My way of thinking also performed well in bumper, finishing second at Leopardstown and Navan before taking off on his hurdles debut at Punchestown. The runner-up hasn’t announced his form very well and the Flemensfirth gelding has just had a six-month break, so it’s a tough task.

Helvic Dream has plenty of experience over hurdles and ran well to finish second to the well-handicapped Kala Conti at Down Royal last time. He has trained well twice recently in competitive handicaps and the less exposed types will need to run at a decent standard to beat him.

Mister Percy started well over hurdles in Limerick last time out, although form has taken a few knocks since, but he couldn’t have done much more and remains well this trip given his exploits on the flat, while Patter merchant was impressive on his hurdling debut at Galway beating another useful type in I Am Lorenzo, but he takes a big drop in distance.

In a trap business, it’s worth taking a chance each way. Milo Lises on a steady debut for David Kelly. He showed a good attitude to clear a maiden hurdle at Punchestown when with Willie Mullins in February, beating the next winner, Faulty, and was a very good second to Predators Gold in the Goffs Defender Bumper when giving up ground l ‘last year.

What they say

Gordon Elliott, coach of Bleu De Vassy and Patter Merchant
We knew that Bleu De Vassy was better than his exceptional form. He wasn’t quite fit for his return to action at Fairyhouse but won very well. He bounced on the right field that day. Patter Merchant beat Sounds Victorius when he won his bumper at Leopardstown last Christmas and it didn’t seem like a bad first hurdle he won at Galway so he’s well worth a shot.

Joseph O’Brien, coach of Mister Percy
He’s in good shape, he’ll handle the slightly dry ground and we’re looking forward to giving him more experience over hurdles. It was a good performance in Limerick and obviously a big step up in class, but he couldn’t do more than last time.

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Mywayofthinkin
He is a great horse who ran well in two bumpers before standing out over hurdles. It’s a step up in class when he first returns, so it will be tough, but we’ll see how he does.

Read Saturday’s previews:

“That was always the goal” – L’Eau Du Sud looks to confirm first pursuit success in Arkle Trial

‘The plan was always to target this race’ – top trainers have their say on a gripping Paddy Power Gold Cup

Can Doyen Quest reach even greater heights on a new journey?

Is Hamsiyann ​​a liability or will he be blown away now that he has cleared the hurdles?

‘He’s in very good condition’ – Bob Olinger back to try to repeat his victory from last year under new driver Darragh O’Keeffe

Can Champion Chase hero Captain Guinness make another winning return to Fortria?

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