'The most interesting of all' - Santa Rossa bids for Grade 2 glory

Monday: 3.50 Fairyhouse
Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m4f | 5yo+ | RTV/RTE 2/ITV4

This has the makings of one of the most competitive Grade 2 hurdles in open company this season, with a nice blend of unexposed talent and proven performers.

Thedevilscoachman sets a solid standard after his latest last-gasp win in the Boyne Hurdle in February, but whether conditions will be soft enough for him to be seen at his best is a pretty significant question mark. He looked extremely effective on heavy ground last time.

Darasso, likewise carrying the colours of JP McManus, is versatile in terms of ground and it is always dangerous to underestimate him in this company. He probably isn't open to the same amount of improvement as the likes of Santa Rossa, though.

Thedevilscoachman: landed the Boyne Hurdle under a tremendous ride from Mark WalshCredit: Caroline Norris

The most interesting of all could be Santa Rossa, for last year's Irish Grand National-winning trainer Dermot McLoughlin.

A Grade 2 bumper winner, she oozed class in calmer waters than these when returning from a 386-day layoff at Limerick and deserves a crack at this level.

Heaven Help Us wasn't disgraced when sixth in the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham and should be suited by these conditions.

What they say

Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus, owner of Darasso, Thedevilscoachman and Gars De Sceaux
Darasso never seems to run a bad race. Hopefully he gives a good account of himself. We'd like a nice drop of rain to come for Thedevilscoachman and Gars De Sceaux – both of them seem to enjoy an ease in the ground.

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Darver Star
It looks a very competitive race. I'm happy with him and the trip should suit, so we're hoping for the best.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Jon Snow and Whiskey Sour
It’s Jon Snow's first run after a long break. He will probably need it and might be best watched with a view to a summer campaign when he might run on the Flat too. Whiskey Sour came back to form last time when winning at Leopardstown and he might be able to build on that with a top-three finish.

Danny Mullins, rider of Heaven Help Us
If the rain arrived a day earlier at Cheltenham I think it would have suited her better. Two and a half miles around Fairyhouse should be nice for her. Looking at the ratings and weights, she seems nicely treated in the race. It's a competitive Grade 2 but she should be in the mix again.

Dermot McLoughlin, trainer of Santa Rossa
She never shows much at home but looks to be in good form. You'd imagine that this step up in trip wouldn't be a problem for her judged on how she went through the line last time.

Read more Fairyhouse previews:

2.40 - Triumph Hurdle fourth Icare Allen puts Vauban form to the test in Grade 2

4.20 - 'He looks the pick of ours' - who does Willie Mullins fancy in classy Grade 2?

5.00 - Paul Townend, Rachael Blackmore and Davy Russell chasing first Irish National

GET READY FOR THE 2022 FLAT SEASON WITH OUR BRILLIANT STABLE TOUR SERIES

Over 50% off Racing Post Members' Club! Members' Club is the only subscription racing fans and punters need in order to stay informed and make smarter betting decisions. Features include early access to the Racing Post digital newspaper, exclusive news and interviews, premium tips and form study tools to assist with betting. Select 'Get Ultimate monthly' and enter code TRYME to get your first month for just £14.99* – that's better than half price! Subscribe now If you decide that Members' Club is not for you, then you can cancel at anytime by contacting us.

*Members' Club Ultimate monthly first month will be charged at £14.99, renews at full price thereafter