GordonElliott

12:35, 2m Maiden Hurdle
Experimentalist
I have two runners in the opening maiden hurdle and Experimentalist is the one with the experience over the obstacles and he should run well. He didn't run a bad race in good company (behind One Cool Shabra) last time but didn't jump as well as we thought he would. Because of that, we've done a good bit of schooling with him since and I'm happy with him now. Davy (Condon), who rode him the last day, will be on board again, and he'll take his time on him. This is his fourth run over hurdles so I'm hoping that he can go close.

Iconic Sway
Iconic Sway has been well beaten on her three starts on the all-weather this season and she's making her hurdling debut here. She schools very well at home but the heavy ground is a big worry for her. We'll just take our time with her and see how she goes. It's a learning experience and we'll know more after today. Daniel Benson, who claims seven, will ride her.

13:05, 2m4f Maiden Hurdle
Wee Doll
She started off in a bumper for us last year, where she was a well-beaten fifth, but she won her point to point at Taylorstown in October. She was never able to get competitive on her hurdling debut at Galway a couple of weeks later but she ran a good race at Wexford last time. She seemed to handle the ground well that day and the step up to two and a half miles for today's race should be in her favour. She's in very good form at home and Paul (Carberry) takes the mount. He'll ride her in mid-division and she should be staying on strongly to the finish. She has real each-way claims.

14:35, 2m4f Beginners Chase
The Shepherd
The Shepherd makes his chasing debut today. He's a lovely horse but this is his first run in a long time. He was progressive over hurdles last season, when he was placed a number of times before winning here at Clonmel in October and at Leopardstown in November.

He pulled a muscle in the Pertemps Hurdle at Leopardstown in January and has been off since. As this is his first run back, we're looking for a clear round and a good showing. If we get that, we'll know where we're going with him for the remainder of the season.

Last season's wins both came over three miles, but two and a half miles plus is fine for him. He has good course form (won and finished second from two starts here) and the ground is not a problem. Joey, my brother, will take the mount. He has ridden him a number of times in the past and actually won his maiden hurdle on him at Downpatrick a couple of years ago.

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