Invictus Machin (second choice), Dorans Law and Beggars Rock are all on the shortlist but a chance is taken on MICA MALPIC, who was soon out of her comfort zone over 2m a month ago when returning from a long absence. Still only an 8yo, he's entitled to show appreciably more this time. [Alistair Jones]
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Maiden hurdle winner; 1-12 over fences but might well have doubled his tally but for a late mistake at Limerick (3m, yielding to soft); raised 5lb for that but Patrick O'Brien again takes away 7lb and he'll be fine on this drier surface.
Four wins divided between hurdles and fences; last chase success was over three years ago and at 50-1 he finished well behind in the Killarney National a month ago; this isn't as demanding but this veteran would prefer softer ground.
Over two years since his sole win over fences but this is only his fifth attempt and he was placed over hurdles last time off 5lb higher (3m, good); prone to mistakes in this discipline but could go well if finding some fluency.
Should be well handicapped given his hurdling exploits but has yet to convince as a natural over fences (0-6); now tackles his first handicap off a 10lb lower mark than hurdling figure, but others are safer.
Won a valuable handicap chase at Listowel (2m6f, soft to heavy; handles good) in September when 6lb lower and kept on well to finish third back over hurdles last time; not entirely dismissed, though he is an 11yo now and does lack recent match practice.
Staged a revival of sorts when fourth in the Ulster National (3m4f, good) in March on a belated first run beyond 3m but then disappointed in the Killarney version and that made it 0-7 over fences; rated way higher over hurdles.
Three-time chase winner who is potentially well handicapped; early mistakes had him on the back foot when returning from an absence at Tipperary and 2m was plenty sharp enough for one who has won over 3m; hard to rule out.
Hurdle win was off a much lower figure but he won his latest beginners' chase with a bit to spare and this 6yo looks to have better days ahead of him over fences.
Ran well to be second off his much lower hurdle mark at Sligo last time and he's a four-time winner over fences; however, looks vulnerable to younger limbs at his age.
Won two handicap chases at about 3m during the second half of last year but beaten a distance the last twice, over 3m4f and 2m4f; this trip is a better fit, however, and he's feasibly handicapped.
Off the same mark as for his 3m7f win on soft ground at Punchestown just over a year ago but he needs to rediscover that level of form; bit risky at the minute.
