PIERSE HANDICAP HURDLE : RUNNER BY RUNNER GUIDE

Gareth O`Brien individually assesses the prospects of the 24 runners for Sunday`s #100,000 feature at Leopardstown.

MISS EMER : Tough filly who has performed creditably in some top handicaps in the past, but has it all to do with top-weight ; Barry Geraghty prefers Michael Mor.

SAMAPOUR : Useful performer on his day, but without a win for some time, and hard to see that changing with 11-10 on his back.

KILLULTAGH STORM : Developed into high-class handicap hurdler last season, with wins at Fairyhouse and Punchestown festivals ; tried novice chasing this term without success, including when well beaten at Gowran last time ; reverts to hurdles and hard to fancy.

MOVING ON UP : Tough, consistent handicap hurdler who has a good record in these valuable events. Got up close home to score here a fortnight ago and looks sure to give a good account with Tony McCoy booked.

THE GATHERER : Had been threatening to win a big handicap for some time before finally doing so in effortless fashion at Gowran in September ; slightly disappointing upped in class at Cheltenham next time, but trainer`s record in this race is second to none and as the choice of Conor O`Dwyer must be respected.

TRYPHAENA : Wonderfully versatile mare under both codes ; ran a blinder to take fourth in English Cesarewitch and comes here on the back of a typically game success at Fairyhouse ; however, not the biggest and may just be found out off this 5 lb higher mark.

MASALARIAN : Slightly frustrating sort who often runs well in high-class company without getting his head in front ; took advantage of favourable conditions when bolting up at Fairyhouse last month, and should go well without quite looking good enough.

MICHAEL MOR : Much improved for the switch to Noel Meade`s yard, winning five times in novice/handicap company and never finishing out of the frame. Landed an uncompetitive 2m4f novice hurdle at the last meeting here, but faces by far his stiffest test to date back over the minimum trip today.

ROOSTER BOOSTER : Another who appears to have benefitted from a change of scenery, this English challenger was a fine second at Cheltenham last time ; previously unlucky to fall with race at his mercy at Newbury, but trainer has voiced his concern at what he feels is handicapper`s harsh treatment.

SPOKESMAN : High-class hold-up performer who travels well in his races and was a fine third in last season`s County Hurdle ; could easily go close if everything went right, but hasn`t been seen since scoring on the flat at Listowel in September.

MUMARIS : Part of a four-strong Pat Hughes challenge ; has caught the eye on several occasions, including when coming from some way back to take fourth to Michael Mor at Naas in November ; meets that rival on 10 lb better terms, and could go well at a big price.

KAPOK : Doesn`t always find as much as looks likely off the bridle, as happened at Cheltenham two runs ago, but made no mistake when hacking up at Fairyhouse on New Year`s Day ; raised 9 lb for that, which should be enough to anchor him in this much more competitive event.

BAMFORD CASTLE : Off the track for some time, but a consistent dual-purpose performer ; however, recent hurdles form needs improving upon and would ideally prefer better ground.

RICARDO : English import who initially took time to find his feet, but has run well in defeat at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown of late ; should have the race run to suit, but looks a tricky ride who needs everything to go his way.

LAWZ : Looks the weakest of the Hughes quartet on recent form, including when well beaten in a poor contest at Clonmel last time ; difficult to fancy.

THESEUS : Another of the Hughes contingent ; not the most reliable type, but ran a good trial when fourth to Ned Kelly last month ; however, was four lengths behind stable-mate Grinkov that day, and is now 5 lb worse off.

ELLENJAY : Third member of Arthur Moore`s trio ; showed benefit of pipe-opener on the level when taking a 2m4f Punchestown handicap in December ; now 7 lb higher and drop back in trip unlikely to suit ; others preferred.

WILD ARMS : Fairyhouse Easter triumph the pick of several good efforts in productive juvenile season ; disappointing since until promising third to Moving On Up on desperate ground here two weeks ago, after looking sure to score turning-in ; now 3 lb better off with that rival ; big chance.

GRINKOV : Ante-post favourite since betting opened following his highly-commendable second to Ned Kelly, a performance which earned him a 9 lb hike in future handicaps ; undeniably well-in on that basis, and with Charlie Swan aboard a bold show is anticipated.

SHINY BAY : Performed with credit throughout last season, with Fairyhouse second to Killultagh Storm his best effort ; reverted to hurdles last time after appearing not to enjoy chasing, and has plenty to find with Wild Arms on that running.

FRENCH STYLE : Only small, but as game as they come ; winner of her last two starts in lesser company, landing some good bets in the process ; however, has already had plenty of racing for a five year-old and probably vulnerable to less-exposed rivals.

JOHN MAGICAL : High-class bumper performer (3 wins) who looked to have a bright future when landing hurdles here and at Thurles last season ; initially disappointing this term, dropping down weights as a consequence, but showed much more enthusiasm on last outing over course and distance ; looks to be hitting form at the right time, and with Tony Dobbin booked must be considered.

CREUX NOIR : Lightly-raced and unexposed over hurdles, but was expensive failure at Fairyhouse last time behind Kapok, when bad mistake 2 out cost him any chance ; should turn the tables on revised terms, and although stable second-string on jockey bookings could be involved at a decent price.

DISCERNING AIR : Tough filly who has been kept very busy of late, and comes here on the back of a deserved victory at Cork ; thoroughly exposed though, and a major surprise if she proves good enough here.

CONCLUSION : An ultra-competitive renewal of this big handicap may go to the unexposed JOHN MAGICAL. Martin Brassil`s charge was a high-class bumper performer two seasons ago, and looked to be on the way back when sixth over course and distance last time. Wild Arms is another who appears to be returning to something like his best and is feared most, while Creux Noir and Mumaris may prove best of the rest.