Thurles preview

High-class chaser Scotsirish makes his seasonal reappearance in the Rock Of Cashel Hurdle, which features on a seven-race card at Thurles.

Willie Mullins has his exceptional string in red-hot order and Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup third Scotsirish could have too much class for these rivals.

Eamonn O'Connell's 148-rated Powerstation should never be underestimated, though, and he ran well for a long way before finishing sixth in a handicap hurdle at Cheltenham earlier in the month.

The lightly-raced Paddy Pub is another fascinating contender on his belated hurdling debut after falling at the first when co-favourite for last Sunday's Troytown, while Boulavogue is fit from the Flat.

Luska Lad drops in class for the Clonoulty Hurdle after a creditable third behind Voler La Vedette in a Down Royal Grade Three but Smoking Aces, whose only blip came at Punchestown in May, should go close if resuming in peak condition.

Chicago Grey and Uncle Tom Cobley look best of the rest.

The Holycross Maiden Hurdle could prove to be a fair pointer for the future and punters should take particular interest in Rhyl Accord.

The Mullins inmate looked a smart prospect in bumpers and was last seen finishing a close second to Sweeps Hill at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Action commences at 12.35 with the Thurles Mares Maiden Hurdle. Hepahepa Naeney, Regal Obligation and Gentle Alice are all heading the right way, while fair bumper winners Derrinlanna and Revelling must be accorded respect, along with point scorer Special Token.

Prima Vista had the beating of Curling and Pullbangdust at Naas last month and should give Jessica Harrington's Colleoni plenty to think about in the Cahir Maiden Hurdle, while last-time-out winners Steviemac and Trixie are likely to go close again in the Munster Handicap Hurdle.

Templetown Hill and Grey Area, first and second respectively at Limerick, are obvious contenders in the concluding Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.