14:25 clonmel Thursday 12th February 2026

Gordon Elliott holds a strong hand in this novice hurdle. BALLY FREE (1) was a good winner of a point to point and improved scoring by a head two months ago. Cheek pieces fitted for the first time which could bring about more improvement. Rates firmly as the one to beat. LORD ROUGE (2) is the second Elliott runner who wears a hood for the first time after finishing down field contesting the G1 Slaney Novice Hurdle in January. Could give a bold show. TIMESAREACHANGING (4) looks a useful hurdler who deserves this chance and won't be far away. REBEL BUDZ (3) holds decent form though might find this too hard.