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Preview thurles 21st Dec

A small but select field of four go to post for the Horse And Jockey Hotel Hurdle at Thurles, a Listed contest which provides the highlight of a seven-race card which kicks off at 12.35.

A lack of numbers doesn't mean a lack of strength in the race, and Solwhit, who ran on well to win at Fairyhouse and was considered Boylesports International material, will have to be at his best.

As impressive as he has been in his short career, Charles Byrnes' four-year-old will not be allowed any room for error by Ninetieth Minute, who comes into the race on the back of an easy 12-length romp.

Byrnes has another challenger in Claras Chestnut, who may relish the switch to the smaller obstacles in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle.

The seven-year-old won a bumper on his debut under Rules, before unshipping his rider in a chase on his latest outing.

The switch to smaller obstacles may help the former point-to-point winner, though in Wexford second I Will Ya and the unexposed Yes Ben, he faces some stiff opposition.< Newbay Prop is better known for his exploits over fences, but he will be out to take advantage of a massively lower hurdles mark in the Holy Cross Novice Handicap Hurdle.

Tony Martin's charge won the valuable Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown last Christmas-time, and off a 32lb lower mark over timber, he has to be respected.

Carlas Dream is a danger at the other end of the weights, while it may prove folly to completely rule out The Flying Dustman.

John J Walsh has targeted the opening Gift Horse Gallery Horse And Jockey Hotel Handicap Chase in recent years and could strike with Mantell, while the concluding Curaheen (Pro-Am) INH Flat Race looks between Naynagh Native and Plunkett.

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