Fences or hurdles? Ballyburn entered in beginners' chase but retains Morgiana Hurdle option alongside star stablemates

Ballyburn, the star novice hurdler who lit up last season, looks set to make his comeback this weekend at Punchestown after remaining in contention for the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle (2.10), as well as being given an entry over fences.

The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old could be one of ten runners in a Willie Mullins-dominated Morgiana on Saturday, however he has also been entered in the 2m3f beginners' chase (12.30) earlier on the same card. He is the 5-2 favourite for the Arkle at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival, as well as the 6-1 market leader for the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.

Lossiemouth, the new Champion Hurdle favourite with some bookmakers, could also make her reappearance in the Morgiana.

The Susannah and Rich Ricci-owned five-year-old did not make her debut last season until January at Cheltenham, which kickstarted wins in the Mares' Hurdle and Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown during a perfect campaign.

Despite not being seen this season yet, she shortened into 5-2 favouritism for the Champion Hurdle with Betfair Sportsbook and Paddy Power following Constitution Hill's workout at Newbury on Tuesday. She is the 5-2 joint-favourite with the Nicky Henderson-trained star with Coral.

However, Mullins has a formidable pack for the Morgiana with State Man, the reigning Champion Hurdler and winner of the race for the last two years, also in contention. Daddy Long Legs, Sir Gerhard and Winter Fog have also been left in.

Mares' Hurdle winner is favourite with some bookmakers for the Champion Hurdle in MarchCredit: Patrick McCann

Brighterdaysahead, who made a winning return at Down Royal this month, has been left in by Gordon Elliott alongside Fils D'Oudairies, while No Looking Back and Smooth Tom could complete the line-up. Mystical Power and Aspire Tower were not confirmed.

Galopin Des Champs, Fastorslow and Fact To File remain in John Durkan contention

A day later, Mullins could saddle a formidable six-strong team in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (2.25), headlined by Galopin Des Champs.

The dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner could make his return in the 2m4f Grade 1 for the third consecutive campaign, having won it in 2022 before finishing third a year ago behind familiar foe Fastorslow.

The Martin Brassil-trained star also remains in contention, having beaten Galopin Des Champs in the Punchestown Gold Cup for the second consecutive year in April.

Mullins' team could also include star novice chaser Fact To File, Blue Lord, Minella Cocooner, Grangeclare West and Capodanno, although the latter has been supplemented for Saturday's Betfair Chase.

Grade 1-winning novice chasers Inothewayurthinkin and Spillane's Tower could also be part of a powerful JP McManus-owned line-up, as could Mares' Chase winner Limerick Lace. Banbridge, Found A Fifty, Gaelic Warrior and Il Etait Temps were among those taken out.

Ante-post markets

Morgiana Hurdle (2.10 Punchestown, Saturday)
Paddy Power: 2-5 State Man, 7-2 Lossiemouth, 5 Ballyburn, 10 Brighterdaysahead, Daddy Long Legs, 14 Winter Fog, 20 Sir Gerhard, 33 Fils d’Oudairies, Smooth Tom, 50 No Looking Back

John Durkan Memorial Chase (2.25 Punchestown, Sunday) Paddy Power: 6-4 Fact To File, 9-4 Fastorslow, 7-2 Galopin Des Champs, 6 Spillane’s Tower, 12 Grangeclare West, 14 Inothewayurthinkin, 20 Journey With Me, 25 Limerick Lace, 33 Blue Lord, Minella Cocooner, 50 Capodanno

Unibet Morgiana Hurdle confirmations

• Ballyburn
• Daddy Long Legs
• Fils D'Oudairies
• No Looking Back
• Sir Gerhard
• Smooth Tom
• State Man
• Winter Fog
• Brighterdaysahead
• Lossiemouth

John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase confirmations

• Blue Lord
• Capodanno
• Fact To File
• Fastorslow
• Galopin Des Champs
• Grangeclare West
• Inothewayurthinkin
• Journey With Me
• Minella Cocooner
• Spillane's Tower
• Limerick Lace

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