Follow the Bear to land the Pertemps Final beer money.
BEAR GHYLLS (2.10) was a really smart novice a couple of years ago.
He won his first four races before finishing fourth behind Bob Olinger and Bravemansgame in the Ballymore at this meeting in 2021.
The switch to fences didn’t work out earlier in the season after he returned from a year-and-a-half off the track.
His fourth behind Thanksforthehelp back over hurdles at Chepstow last month was much more promising, especially as he went hard enough in front, and he’s a stone better off at the weights with the winner. Have 2pts each-way at 25-1. Sky Bet are paying out on eight places with plenty of others going six.
SEDDON (4.10) has always had a lot of ability.
He was placed in graded novices’ hurdles way back and has been rejuvenated by a switch to Irish trainer John McConnell.
His hurdles victory at this course in October was followed by a hugely-impressive chase win at Leopardstown over Christmas. Have 3pts each-way at 22-1. Plenty of bookies are paying out on six places with Sky Bet stretching to seven.
French raider GOLD TWEET (3.30) is over-priced in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle.
There was an awful lot to like about the way he travelled and then stayed on up the hill when landing the Cleeve Hurdle over this course and distance in January.
That gives him a sound chance. Have 1pt each-way at 10-1. Several bookies are going four places.
Willie Mullins has won the Jack de Bromhead Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle five times since it was introduced seven years ago.
His Lot Of Joy is fancied this year but I prefer stablemate NIKINI (4.50).
She ran a cracker when runner-up behind Magical Zoe in a red-hot Down Royal contest in November, having won her previous two starts.
That was a fine effort as she helped set a decent gallop. She gets a 9lbs turn around in the weights with Henry de Bromhead’s filly and this test will suit her. Have 1pt each-way at 25-1. Sky Bet are paying five places with most of the others going four.
