A competitive renewal. Paggane will be popular given her connections but her lack of chasing experience is a worry in a race of this nature. Last year's runner up Stealthy Tom loves it here and should go well off the same mark and Happy Jacky, a course winner over hurdles, is also considered. However, BRAZIL travelled well for a long way in the Ulster National last time, Mark Walsh keeps the faith and he is taken to get his first win over fences. Last year's fifth Hascoeur Clermont could go well at a price. [Dave Stephens]
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Only win over fences came in a Punchestown beginners' in 2022; decent runs in defeat in valuable Leopardstown handicap chases in late 2023 and early 2024; solid effort when a 7l third of 14 in the Leinster National at Naas in March; needs more off his current mark.
Two-time chase winner on soft-heavy, most recently off 128 in the 2024 Leinster National on soft; narrowly denied off 137 in repeat bid (Panda Boy behind) and raised 3lb for that; failed to take advantage of lower hurdles mark latest; needs a career best and might prefer softer ground.
Course specialist has won six chases in total, four of them here at 2m4f-2m7f on yielding to soft and good ground; runner up in this last season off 140 and same mark here; chance once a fall over the banks at Punchestown hasn't dented his confidence.
Two-time winning hurdler is relatively inexperienced over fences, winning one of four chase starts; good effort at Perth on latest in a listed mares' chase behind Fun Fun Fun; ground versatile but this is a tough race in which to make her handicap chase debut.
Two-time winning hurdler is 0-7 over fences but has run well in defeat; beaten a nose in the Galway Blazers (22.5f, gd-yld) last August off 129; hasn't repeated that since and fell three out on testing ground in the Irish National latest; return to better ground will suit but stamina to prove.
Six-time winning hurdler gained first chase win on latest in a Kilbeggan beginners' after a 166-day break; course form figures over hurdles read 34312 so clearly likes it here; rated 13lb higher over timber; interesting.
2-7 over fences; form of 8l novice handicap win at Wexford (19.5f, yielding) since boosted by the runner up Kiltealy Park at Fairyhouse; raised 7lb for that and pulled up in hot handicap at Punchestown late last month; never won over this far; others appeal more.
1-17 over fences, the win coming here over 2m1f last July on good ground off 124; out of form in four runs this year; didn't show enough at Punchestown latest and unproven over this far.
Bumper and hurdle winner was 0-5 over fences for Henry De Bromhead; has moved stables after a couple of heavy hurdles defeats at Leopardstown and Navan; ran well at just short of this trip in the Connacht National (3m1f, good) last year and just 1lb higher here; not discounted on debut for new yard.
Two-time winning hurdler is 2-19 over fences; last win came over timber at Listowel last September off 117; remote second behind Big Debates when last seen in a Limerick handicap chase in December; 2lb lower now but veteran's best form is on easy ground; lacks a recent run; others appeal more.
Winning hurdler is 0-7 over the bigger obstacles; jumping has been an issue in recent starts and he unseated early after attracting market support at Punchestown earlier this month; best form is on yielding and soft ground so would like to see some rain; others look more solid.
Two-time winning hurdler; 2-11 in chases; last win came off 117 in a handicap chase at Cheltenham (3m1f, soft) in November 2023 for Gavin Cromwell; outclassed in Grade 3 at Cork on debut for this yard latest; was a 13l fifth in this last year off 123 and 2lb lower now; could go well at a price.
Three-time winning hurdler was badly out of form before showing more when staying on from the back for fourth behind Dunboyne in the Ulster National (28.5f, good) in March, his first run beyond 3m; dropped 1lb for that and is rated 17lb higher over timber; preferred by Walsh; not without a chance.
Off the mark over fences on latest at Down Royal (3m2f, good) off 113; up 7lb for that and this is a much tougher race; not fully discounted but a career best will be required to win in this company.
Won a nice pot at Punchestown (31.5f, soft) in May 2024 off 114; beaten 37l in the same race off 117 earlier this month; back on last winning mark now but has become difficult to predict; capable but risky and 2lb out of the handicap.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3,4
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
