2.00 2m. 4f. 2yds. 8 Declared. Lawlor's Of Naas Novice H'dle (Grade 1) of €100,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €60,000.00 2nd - €20,000.00 3rd - €10,000.00 4th - €5,000.00 5th - €3,000.00 6th - €2,000.00
FormscanBy Gary Carson - FIREFOX was impressive when taking his maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse last month and that form has received a nice boost since. He quickened away in some style to beat Ballyburn then and that rival was a very easy winner at Leopardstown over Christmas. Going two-and-a-half miles now should be no worry for Firefix, who was a big eye-catcher on his debut run over this trip at Navan in November 2022. The selection faces a fascinating rematch with Ile Atlantique, who he beat in a Fairyhouse bumper last April. Willie Mullins' charge travelled best early in the straight then before being worn down by his rival in the closing stages. The Coastal Path gelding had also done the same thing in his previous bumper and it will be interesting to see what he finds for pressure now in better company over hurdles. Mullins saddles five of the eight runners. Mystical Power, the regally-bred son of Galileo and Annie Power, faces an acid test having won twice last summer and it will be interesting to see how he measures up.
A novice hurdle for five years old and upwardsWeights - 11st 12lbs Mares allowed 7lbs