Timeform Irish SmartPlays: Thursday 21 November

Royal Thief - 13:25 Thurles

Royal Thief looked in trouble for much of the straight (touched 100 in-running) but he stayed on strongly to win here two weeks ago and remains with the potential to do better. He failed to impress with his hurdling on that occasion, but it was only his second start over obstacles - and first for nine months - so he is entitled to improve for the experience. His unexposed profile and clear scope for improvement awards him the verdict over Allez Dance, whose fifth in a decent handicap at Down Royal last time is the best form on offer.

Miss Pernickety - 14:00 Thurles

Miss Pernickety was third in a point and has also shown ability under Rules, twice finishing placed in bumpers. She was especially eye-catching on her debut, when finishing runner-up at Gowran Park, as she was soon well detached and off the bridle but kept on well in the straight. She shaped as if still in need of the experience on her only subsequent start at Cork but she is interesting on her hurdles debut, with the step up in trip likely to suit.

The Chapel Field - 15:05 Thurles

The Chapel Field displayed improved form to get off the mark at Fairyhouse on his reappearance two days ago, showing why he had been gambled on at Wexford on his final start last season. He was clearly thought to be well treated and proved that in style at Fairyhouse, making good headway to dispute the lead on the turn for home before drawing clear under conditional rider Trevor Ryan, who will be in the saddle again here. He travelled strongly so the drop in trip is unlikely to pose an issue, while a 5 lb penalty does not look insurmountable.