Timeform Irish SmartPlays: Thursday 28 November

Royal Rendezvous - 12:15 Thurles

Royal Rendezvous was pulled up in a Grade 1 hurdle at the Punchestown Festival last time but is better judged on his previous success at Galway, where he looked an exciting prospect in winning by a wide margin. He had also shown plenty of ability in bumpers, winning twice, and he can get off the mark at the first attempt over fences. Ministerofsport's third behind A Plus Tard and Duc des Genievres at Naas last season is the best form on offer and he is the leading danger.

Western Doyen - 15:05 Thurles

Western Doyen showed improved form to finish runner-up here last week and, still relatively unexposed, he can take another step forward and open his account. That was only Western Doyen's second start in handicap company and he showed enough to suggest he is capable of defying this mark, staying on well towards the finish to get within a length of the winner. Blackyellowred is in good heart and also finished runner-up last time, so he heads the shortlist of dangers.

Bitofalright - 15:35 Thurles

Point winner Bitofalright didn't show much on her first three starts over hurdles but offered more to work with when finishing runner-up on her handicap debut at Wexford last month. She has gone up only 2 lb for that effort and is worth siding with here as there is the prospect of further progress. Golden Symphony looked unlucky not to finish closer at Fairyhouse last week as she was hampered early in the straight. She is considered one of the biggest dangers.