14:55 John Thomas McNamara Series (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle (80-95) (Div 2)

Race preview

Stuart Crawford's POPPY ROSE was an eye-catcher in third at Navan and appeals off 1lb higher. A good run from her stablemate, Maimie's Magic, in the preceding race on the card would be encouraging as she was just behind Poppy Rose in fifth at Navan. Young Fitzy didn't run badly at all in third over this trip in Limerick and is certainly on a mark he can be effective off while Derby De Thaix ran a cracker in third in a qualified riders' maiden hurdle at Sligo. That run confirmed that he can handle soft ground. This trip looks a bit short for Wee Jerry, but he likes to get on with it and it would be dangerous to give him too much rope in first-time cheekpieces. Special Protector was placed in three races on the Flat including on heavy ground in Galway at the end of October. She is of some interest as she tries hurdling again.