Smart Flat winner Hello Neighbour a fascinating hurdles debutant in Grade 2 at Leopardstown

Willy De Houelle's lofty reputation suffered a slight dent when he was turned over at prohibitive odds on his Irish debut at Fairyhouse this month, but there was plenty of encouragement to be taken from that run and he will prove popular with punters in this Grade 2.

A winner at Compiegne in March, he was sent off 1-4 favourite on his debut for Willie Mullins in Grade 3 company but was overhauled late on by the reopposing Naturally Nimble, who stayed on powerfully to win by a length and a half.

The Rich Ricci-owned grey travelled best throughout but was up with a strong pace, and once the leaders felt the pinch, Paul Townend was left in front a long way from home. That allowed Richie Deegan to stalk the market leader and come with one winning crack after the last, to which the eventual runner-up had no reply.

Juvenile hurdles in Ireland don't tend to be run at a frantic pace, but that one was a bit of an anomaly and saw the winner to good effect. 

It will be an intriguing rematch, but Willy De Houelle is capable of reversing the form, especially given that was his first run for seven months, while Joseph O'Brien's three-year-old had the benefit of fitness having had plenty of outings on the Flat and one over hurdles.

Naturally Nimble (right) challenges Willy De Houelle over the last at Fairyhouse Credit: Patrick McCann

While I fancy Danny Mullins' mount to reverse the form, so does the market so it could pay to look elsewhere, and the Henry de Bromhead-trained Its Bilbo rates a big player. 

He was fourth to Willy De Houelle at Compiegne and made a winning debut for De Bromhead at Punchestown last month, defeating Lakota Blue by three-quarters of a length.

That was a nice performance and he still looked quite green when initially asked for his effort, so there should be plenty of improvement in the locker.

However, the fly in the ointment may be Hello Neighbour, who makes his hurdles debut for the Gavin Cromwell team, and if he brings his Flat form to the table then he can win this. He earned a rating of 97 in that sphere courtesy of two authoritative wins at Navan and Roscommon and has form on decent ground.

He is worth taking a chance on, especially given it is a vote of confidence from connections to go for this rather than the three-year-old maiden hurdle on Friday.

What they say 

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Naturally Nimble and Prairie Angel
Naturally Nimble has prepared well for this since Fairyhouse. It'd be great if he could run into the places. Prairie Angel had a good run at Newbury the last day when runner-up and hopefully has an each-way chance.

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Hello Neighbour
He's an interesting three-year-old we're excited about. He's never run over hurdles but is two from two for us on the Flat so he's one we're looking forward to getting started over jumps.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Sony Bill, Willy De Houelle, Lady Vega Allen and Murcia
A change of tactics from Fairyhouse will see a lot of improvement in Willy De Houelle. Sony Bill looks a lovely prospect and his form in France and experience should be a huge help to him. We’re interested to see how Lady Vega Allen compares to the form horses. Murcia doesn’t lack on the pedigree side and brings very good form from France.

Read more . . .

'Sam got a great tune out of him at Fairyhouse' - Croke Park the one to beat as Elliott's star novices get set to battle it out  

The Big Westerner poised to put in a big bid as she takes step up to Grade 2 company at Limerick  

'He could have quite a bit up his sleeve' - David Jennings with his best bets on a bumper day of Irish action  

Top jockeys such as Harry Cobden can't do their jobs without it – and you can subscribe to Racing Post Members' Club Ultimate Monthly and get 50% off your first three months! Available to new subscribers purchasing Members' Club Ultimate Monthly using code MEMBERS24. First three payments will be charged at £24.98, subscription renews at full monthly price thereafter. To cancel please contact us at least seven days before subscription is due to renew.