Ladbrokes.com Boyne Hurdle Preview

War Of Attrition has his latest start over hurdles in Sundays Boyne Hurdle with the Aintree Grand National the major target for the former Gold Cup winner. Allowed an easy lead in a small field at Gowran last time, he will find tomorrows opposition more difficult and a decent run in the first 3-4 would be more than sufficient. Badgerlaw also continues over hurdles having won nicely last time but that was an ordinary handicap and he is unlikely to prove good enough here.

Montana Slim is a useful handicapper at best while Sam Adams reverts to hurdles following a disappointing run over fences last time. On his Punchestown run last season he could enter the shakeup here but its likely Paul Nolan is using this as a confidence booster. Mourad and Ebadiyan are too enigmatic characters and while success for either would not be a surprise it is difficult to back them with confidence.

In the finish I think the race will be decided between Ninetieth Minute and Footy Facts. TomTaaffes charge was an impressive winner of a Coral Cup and this 2m 5f trip suits him much better than the 3miles over which he was beaten last time. Although sometimes looking less than willing I think its just his tail swishing more than ungenuineness that puts people away and he has done very little wrong. He also has a verdict over Solwhit from last season at Thurles.

Footy Facts was a very decent staying novice and has a course win around Navan to his credit. Although losing his way a little he won a decent 3miler at Gowran at the start of the season and has looked to be back to near his best. If it develops into a stamina test here then he is best placed to take advantage of it. The suggestion is an eachway bet on Ninetieth Minute provided he is a backable price. As already stated he will be ideally suited to race conditions and may have the tactical speed to outclass some of these.