A lively display over hurdles at Kilbeggan suggests that PAKENS ROCK may go one better than when runner-up to Whatsafellatodo in this race in 2023. He was having his first run for Darren Collins when second to Flash De Touzaine at Limerick and has good prospects of reversing that form. Dreal Deal could make his presence felt. [Alan Sweetman]
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Has three chase wins to his name but no further success in this sphere since landing the Mayo National on this card in 2023; won over hurdles at Down Royal in September 2023; ran a fine when third in Midlands National at Kilbeggan off 140 last July, not in the same form later in the summer; pulled up in a valuable Punchestown handicap last month.
Grade 2 novice hurdle winner in 2021; hit form last spring winning conditions chases at Down Royal (2m4f) and Wexford (2m); has struggled off mark in the mid-130s since, but now down to 129 which seems more realistic.
2-19 record over fences is off-putting but his second win was at Limerick (2m7f, good to yielding) on his penultimate start; confirmed he is in fair shape when completing the course in the Scottish Grand National, a race in which he finished third in 2023.
Alternating between hurdles and fences of late, ran his best race for some time when third in a valuable 2m1f handicap chase off 126 at the DRF; won a handicap hurdle at Limerick last month; unplaced in a handicap chase at the Punchestown festival.
Sole win was in a beginners' chase in 2022; beaten favourite (fifth) for Limerick handicap chase won by today's rival Flash De Touzaine in March; better when third at Wexford; unplaced over hurdles last time.
Won his fourth chase when scoring at Thurles in February; has been below that form on three occasions since then, including in the Limerick race won by Flash De Touzaine.
Gained his tenth success (and first for this stable) when taking a handicap hurdle over 2m2f at Kilbeggan a month ago; most recent chase run saw him finish second to Flash De Touzaine at Limerick on stable debut; good chance he can reverse that form and go close in the process.
In good form over both hurdles and fences last summer on good ground, winning over hurdles at Punchestown; runner-up over fences at Limerick in March; unplaced twice over hurdles more recently.
Four-time chase winner, including a wide-margin success at Killarney last October off 106; veteran gained a sixth career win with handicap hurdle victory at Limerick in November; had just lost second when falling at the last at Tipperary on first run after a winter break.
Third over hurdles at Galway last October; refused to line up at Punchestown in November, same at Cork in December; risky in the circumstances, though worth noting he beat Pakens Rock by 6l in this race two seasons ago.
Prolific winner in points (11-21); lightly raced since winning six times in 2022; twice successful in hunter chases but never as convincing over racecourse fences as in points; not easy to assess at this stage
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
