On The Dry has performed reasonably well in his last two starts at Thurles and Navan and Barry Geraghty takes the ride for the first time so there should be more to come. Verona Opera landed a Catterick bumper last January and has been well supported on a couple of occasions over hurdles but mainly disappointed. EDVARDO has shown absolutely nothing before an easy victory at Navan in January but made too many mistakes when attempting to follow up under a penalty at Thurles four days later. He's now 9lb higher than his victory but this is a poor contest and he can return to winning ways. Frankie Ballou would have a chance on his close second in a Clonmel maiden last March but he's shown nothing in three subsequent starts.
On The Dry (IRE) 11-2 (11-4) Mid-division, progress into moderate 4th before straight, ridden and closer 3 out, no impression in 3rd 2 out, kept on one pace, lost 3rd run-in, 4th of 13, 12 3/4l behind Admiral Brian (11-2) at Navan 2m hcp hvy in Feb.
The Way It Works (IRE) 66-1 (11-5) Settled behind leaders, slight mistake 5th, 8th halfway, slight mistake 6th, ridden and no extra after 4 out, 12th of 15, dist behind Automated (11-11) at Navan 2m mdn hvy in Feb.
Verona Opera (IRE) 6-1 (11-2) Held up behind clear leaders, headway to chase front pair 3 out, lost place after next, soon ridden and beaten, 6th of 9, 30l behind Danielle's Journey (11-2) at Ayr 2m mdn (5) hvy in Feb.
Edvardo (IRE) 6-4fav (11-2) Mid-division, slight mistake 2nd, progress into 6th 4 out, ridden into 3rd entering straight, mistake 2 out, no impression before last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 15, 21 1/2l behind Luckyinmilan (11-2) at Thurles 2m 6f hcp hvy in Jan.
Frankie Ballou (IRE) 16-1 (11-9) Held up in rear, slight mistake 1st, pushed along 4 out, ridden into moderate 8th before straight, 6th and no impression 2 out, kept on one pace, 5th of 13, 33 3/4l behind Notification (11-11) at Listowel 2m 4f hcp Soft - Heavy in Jun.
Masterchippy (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, took keen hold, 9th early, 5th before straight, one pace from 2 out, 6th of 16, 23l behind Babbling Stream (11-12) at Naas 2m mdn sft in Feb.
Benarty Hill (IRE) 16-1 (9-11) Tracked leader, 2nd halfway, 3rd 3 out, ridden and no extra after next, weakened, 6th of 10, 26l behind Coolaghknock Glebe (11-7) at Down Royal 2m 2f hcp hvy in Feb.
