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

Monday: 2.40 Fairyhouse
Donohue Marquees Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m | 4yo | RTV/RTE 2

This looks an excellent opportunity for the classy Icare Allen, provided he is none the worse for his Triumph Hurdle fourth last month.

Last year, Jeff Kidder won this race 20 days after his success in the Boodles at the Cheltenham Festival. Icare Allen has the benefit of 11 extra days between races this time round.

Of his six rivals, four have published marks. Lunar Power's rating of 130 is the best of those on offer but is 10lb inferior to Icare Allen's mark, albeit he must concede 3lb to the field for landing the Grade 3 Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle here in February.

There were eight and three-quarter lengths between Icare Allen and Lunar Power in the Triumph, and although decent ground looks sure to play to the strengths of the Noel Meade-trained juvenile, he will need to improve.

Noel Meade on Lunar Power: 'The better the ground, the more he'll like it'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Gordon Elliott's duo, Britzka and Iberique Du Seuil, are rated 125 and 123 respectively so must step up, while the Andrew Slattery-trained Rebel Step is a useful Flat performer who shaped well when winning a Limerick maiden hurdle 11 days ago.

The bare form of that display does not entitle him to threaten Icare Allen but he could well have more to offer as he gains experience.

Innatendue, a Group 3 AQPS race winner over nearly a mile and a half in France, ran creditably when second in the Scottish Triumph Hurdle on her first start since joining John McConnell for €100,000.

She is something of an unknown quantity, as is dual French hurdles winner Garrybello, who makes his debut for Tom Cooper after a private purchase.

What they say

Willie Mullins, trainer of Icare Allen
He ran a cracker to finish fourth at Cheltenham and now drops back in class to a Grade 2 here. It should put him in this with a winning chance.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Britzka and Iberique Du Seuil
Both ran in the Boodles last time. They have a bit to find on ratings but we're hoping they can run well if bringing their best form.

Britzka: won a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse on his first start for Gordon ElliottCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Tom Cooper, trainer of Garrybello
He was very impressive in his two wins in France, just unseating in between those starts. He looks an exciting prospect overall, so we're looking forward to running him. He'd like a little ease in the ground.

Noel Meade, trainer of Lunar Power
Icare Allen looks the one to beat but this horse will enjoy the decent ground. The better the ground, the more he'll like it.

Danny Mullins, rider of Rebel Step
It was a good performance when winning at Limerick earlier this month. He jumped well on the nice ground and attacked his hurdles. Icare Allen sets the standard on ratings, but of the rest of them I think my lad's form is just as good. Hopefully he'll be in the mix.

Read more Fairyhouse previews:

3.50 - Flame Bearer bids for Grade 2 hat-trick at beloved Fairyhouse

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

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