Trainer Noel Meade has made no secret of the fact that he holds Aran Concerto in the highest regard, and the five-year-old took the first step on the ladder when opening his account over timber at this venue last time.

However, Paul Carberry's mount is likely to be tested all the way by Robert Tyner's dual bumper winner Footy Facts, who has been equally impressive in winning his last two outings over hurdles, and also the Michael O'Brientrained Le Toscan. Both the trip and the ground will suit the latter, but with the emphasis likely to be on stamina, Footy Facts is taken to shade the verdict.

The Grade 2 Giltspur Scientific Tara Hurdle has attracted an equally competitive field, headed by Mounthenry, from the Charles Byrnes stable. The six-year-old had winning form to his credit at this level last year, but has struggled since going over fences. Nevertheless, he should not be easily discounted.

Southern Vic undoubtedly has the class to play a prominent role here, despite disappointing in the Troytown Chase, but Brogella and Celestial Wave are the two mares fancied to fight out the finish. Celestial Wave bypassed an engagement at Ascot in favour of this event and commands obvious respect, but the Frances Crowley-trained Brogella may prove superior.

There is also racing at Thurles this afternoon where Noel Meade gets the vote to collect in the listed Horse And Jockey Hotel Hurdle with the versatile Jazz Messenger at the expense of the Michael Phillips-trained Powerstation.