Reporter: Tony Keenan
A high-class running of this Grade 1, with five of the seven runners rated 160 or higher, the first three coming clear of the fourth who has had a productive recent period. This looks strong form.
was returning from a 242-day absence, his first break of significant length since joining Joseph O’Brien, and may have improved for it. He took the same outside route that proved successful in a pair of Grade 1 wins over this course-and-distance last season, making the running, and his tendency to go right may have helped him as it put him on the favoured part of the track. He looks the one to beat in the Dublin Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival.
was unlucky. He almost lost his jockey after the second but recovered to jump well afterwards, doing a lot of running to get to the winner at the last, only to be outstayed. He is best suited by a fast two miles, and the Champion Chase trip over a furlong and a half shorter than this is ideal.
again made mistakes and his tendency to go left is not the advantage here that it might be at other left-handed tracks as it puts him down the unfavoured inner. He had every chance to take a gap on the run to the last but wasn’t quick enough to take it and may need a step up in trip.
failed to match the form of last two wins at Navan and Cork, left behind by the first three after two out. He has had a busy period and prefers slower ground.
was badly hampered by Marine Nationale after the second and had little chance afterwards. She can do better back against her own sex.
continues out of form and has never been at his best at this track.
made the running, perhaps pace-making for Majborough, but was in trouble after halfway.
