Having returned to his best with a win in the Grade 1 Bowl at Aintree this month, GAELIC WARRIOR is taken to follow up. Three-time Grade 1 winner Pic D'orhy arrives fresh, however, and could be a tough opponent. Hitman could also be in the mix but is more of an each-way contender in view of his win record, while the rejuvenated Gentleman De Mee is another possible player.[Ben Hutton]
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11yo who ended a long losing run when beating stablemate Classic Getaway by 6l in Grade 2 at Thurles in January (2m5f, good); brought down ten fences out in the Grand National three weeks ago; it's possible he might run into a place but a few of the others have stronger claims.
6l second to stablemate Appreciate It in Grade 2 at Thurles (2m5f, good) in January before winning three-runner Grade 2 at Gowran Park (2m4f, soft) in February; fair sixth off lofty mark in handicap at Cheltenham (2m4f, good) ten days ago but there's a suspicion he'll be vulnerable today.
Impressive in last season's Arkle (2m, soft) and rediscovered that abundant promise when upped in trip to win the Grade 1 Bowl at Aintree (3m1f, good to soft) 23 days ago; has run well on good to yielding going (unraced on good); he's the one to beat if repeating that latest form.
Made it 2-2 for the season and posted his third Grade 1 win when readily making all in the Ascot Chase (2m5f, good) in February; excels at Ascot and hasn't shone on either visit here, but those were in 2021 and 2022 and he's a strong form contender; trainer has a good record in this race.
Best known for his exploits in the big 2m4f handicap chases at Cheltenham; however, even on his best form he has something to find in this field and he's been pulled up the last twice; first-time blinkers replace cheekpieces.
Runner-up in last season's Champion Chase and, after a difficult season, he returned to form to win the Topham Handicap off a big weight at Aintree (2m5f, good to soft) recently; also effective on good ground; unexposed at this sort of trip (unraced beyond 2m5f) and he could be in the mix.
Won Grade 2 novice at Wincanton (2m4f, good) last November and posted a career best when highly creditable fourth in the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices' Chase at Aintree 23 days ago (2m4f, good to soft; his ninth chase start); his form needs to go to another new level if he's to come out on top today.
Won the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices' Chase here (1m7f, heavy) in December 2023 and comfortably won handicap at Newbury (2m4f, good to soft) last November; the return to Sandown is an interesting angle but he's been well beaten the last twice and needs to be better than ever today; headgear applied.
Just one win from his last 20 starts and pulled up in the Grand National three weeks ago; below-par third in this 12 months ago; however, he frequently runs extremely well in defeat and has twice finishing second in Grade 1s here; each-way contender back down in trip if last time hasn't left a mark.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
