TimeformBlog

Askthemaster (15:35) was better than ever over fences last season, second to Oiseau de Nuit in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham, and looks to have every chance of making a winning return to hurdling from what is an attractive mark. Robert Tyner's runner has only had the three runs over hurdles, winning a maiden at Cork on his debut, and he shaped well when sixth in a big-field handicap at Leopardstown last season. He's rated fully 20 lb lower over timber than fences, and looks worth taking a risk with at 17.0.

Gala Dancer (16:10) progressed well last autumn, landing a maiden at Fairyhouse in October, and was possibly unlucky not to get back to winning ways at Roscommon earlier this month, just beginning to hit full stride when badly hampered at the last in a race won by Regal Ambition. Paul Nolan's representative is still unexposed over three miles, is proven under the conditions, and looks a solid win and place bet.

Spirit of Cuba (18:35) rates as a confident selection to atone for her luckless defeat at Killarney. The daughter of Invincible Spirit has been progressing well all year, landing a gamble in good style at Down Royal in June, and was unlucky not to follow up last time, travelling best when caught behind the pacemakers in the penultimate furlong and still on the bridle when crossed by the third late on, finishing with running left in a close fourth. Spirit of Cuba has the speed to cope with today's shorter trip and, with the accomplished Sam James back in the saddle, is expected to make amends.

Recommendations
Back Askthemaster win and place in the 15.35
Back Gala Dancer win and place in the 16.10
Back Spirit of Cuba in the 18.35

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