LeopardstownWed, December 27, 2023

FORTUNEDEFORTUNATA (6) showed significant improvement when dropped to 2m last time at Navan in a handicap hurdle beaten 6.5L. Has been raised 9.9lb but interesting remains interesting at the minimum distance. ENCANTO BRUNO (2) won a novices’ hurdle at Cheltenham in October by 2L over 2m4f. Well-beaten since in the G1 Royal Bond Novices’ hurdle at Fairyhouse over 2m. Dropped back to a handicap for the first time, market check required. BY YOUR SIDE (8) was unfancied on return when 40/1 in a Listed handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse over 2m finishing second beaten 1.75L. Raised 4.4lb for that effort but should be much fitter second up. Top chance. NUSRET (3) won the G2 Adonis’ Juvenile hurdle at Kempton Park in February. Returned from a break with a solid second beaten 3.25L in the G3 Willow Warm hurdle. Interesting second up on handicap debut.