18:20 Ballyduff Maiden Hurdle

Race preview

Despite being an 11-race maiden, the Gordon Elliott-trained MORDOR looks the one to beat. A gelded son of Roaring Lion, the four-year-old shaped well in much stronger company over the winter months. Even the bare form of his recent third at Down Royal would be good enough in the context of this race. As a dual winner on the Flat, Trustyourinstinct has to concede weight to all but two of his rivals. Joseph O'Brien's gelding was a 102-rated performer on the level but has taken time adapting to hurdling. He did, however, show a bit more when runner-up at Cork last time. Eastmore reached the frame on all three starts on the Flat last year but has shown little since switching codes. He is certainly one who will appreciate the likely better ground.