Hello Neighbour the one to beat but there's a strong Willie Mullins team in opposition

Hello Neighbour the one to beat - but strong Willie Mullins team opposes in Grade 1 juvenile

Hello Neighbour (left) and Sainte Lucie (right)

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Hello Neighbour showed an excellent attitude in at the deep end on his hurdles debut over course and distance last time and will develop into a proper Triumph Hurdle contender if he can thwart the Closutton brigade.

Trained by Gavin Cromwell, the Harzand gelding reached a rating of 97 on the Flat with two smooth successes at Navan and Roscommon before his hurdles debut at Leopardstown. It wasn't plain sailing as he was quite keen throughout and made a couple of mistakes, most notably at two out.

Keith Donoghue got to work shortly after that error and it was quite taking how he came back on the bridle before cruising to dispute the lead before the fog obscured the view. Despite a few novicey errors and racing exuberantly up with a strong pace, he still found enough to fend off the reopposing Lady Vega Allen late on.

The runner-up is entitled to improve plenty, too, but Hello Neighbour did well in the circumstances given his inexperience and can confirm the form.

Sainte Lucie could be anything based on her runaway debut success at Punchestown. Initially the form seemed unreliable, but the second and third have shaped quite well since which further bolsters her claims. She will undoubtedly be popular in the market but will need to reach a high level to beat Hello Neighbour so odds of around 2-1 aren't hugely appealing.

Third behind Hello Neighbour, Sony Bill shaped well on that occasion having set a strong pace and has the benefit of plenty of experience in France so provides a bit of each-way value at double-figure odds.

Declan Queally's Bacchanalian has been steadily improving but will need to jump better in this company, while Wendrock showed a potent late burst to defeat Galileo Dame at the track over Christmas, but the third has let the form down a touch since.

What they say

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Hello Neighbour
He didn’t do everything right when he won at Leopardstown and we’ve put the hood on him here to help him settle, which he seems to have taken well to at home. If he does things right here then he’d have a very good chance.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Sainte Lucie, Lady Vega Allen, Sony Bill and Willy De Houelle
Paul [Townend] stays with Sainte Lucie who was very impressive in winning at Punchestown and he was clearly impressed. Sean [O'Keeffe] got on very well with Lady Vega Allen at this track over Christmas and keeps the ride. We think she might have more scope for improvement from that run too. Sony Bill ran well in the race here over Christmas, finishing a place behind Lady Vega Allen in third. He has lots of experience, which is a benefit, and is sure to be there or thereabouts. Willy De Houlle has disappointed us so far, but hopefully Brian [Hayes] can try new tactics that might help him get into the places.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Wendrock
He won nicely at Leopardstown over Christmas and seems to have improved since. He needs to up his game, but I think he can.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Galileo Dame
She steps up in class but we're hoping for a nice run. She will enjoy the softer ground.

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