With the exception of the Mullins-trained favourite, who is returning from a mammoth absence, this is far from the strongest of maiden hurdles for the course and I like the look of Max Flamingo, who is a nice each-way price this morning.

The son of Kalanisi ran really well to finish second at Downpatrick on his hurdling debut/seasonal reappearance in October, staying on strongly in the closing stages over 2m3f behind Farceur Du Large, who has since run to a good level in novice hurdles.  He again finished runner-up on his next outing at Thurles, before a disappointing run on soft ground in a rated novice hurdle when last seen in November.

His record already suggests this return to a better surface will suit him and I’d say that is why he has been off since his latest run in November.  He has gone well fresh before, so that’s a plus, and his trainer Francis Casey had a winner with their latest runner, at Navan yesterday.

2.10 Leopardstown – 1pt each-way Max Flamingo @ 14-1 (Bet365, 11-1 WillHill, PaddyPower, Betfair)