Sunday tips: Angus McNae has four selections

This Willie Mullins-trained gelding is unbeaten in three starts and was impressive when winning by six lengths at Tipperary on his second start over hurdles.

He travelled strongly that day recording a Race IQ Jump Index of 7.7 and flashed plenty of speed recording a Finishing Speed Percentage of 111.32%.

He had also show plenty of speed when he won his bumper on debut and is clearly a horse with plenty of ability. This is a step up in grade which I think he can take in his stride. 

Was an expensive purchase as a store and cost even more having won his only start in points.

He has just had three runs over hurdles under Rules, winning at Lingfield, but his future lies over fences and it is interesting that he starts his chasing career in a handicap off a mark of 124, which may prove to be very lenient in time. He can win for the in form Olly Murphy. 

An interesting statistic at Fairyhouse is that 41% of races over fences at Fairyhouse are won by the best jumper and, according to RaceiQ, Gold Dancer is the best jumper in this field with a Jump Index of 8.3.

He was an easy winner at Tipperary last time out and looks to be the only front runner in here. As such, he could get an easy time on the lead. 

Ballyburn did not take to chasing last season whilst running some good races despite his ponderous jumping.

A return to hurdles will see him to much better effect and he can take this on his way to the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

He won three Grade One hurdles in 2024 and was a very impressive 13 length winner of the Gallagher Novices Hurdle at the Festival. He can find his mojo again returned to hurdles and it would not surprise me if he were to win impressively.