1.10 Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase (Grade 1) 2m 1f
Blue Lord: Winner of this race two years ago. The concern is that he hasn’t won since, albeit he spent a year on the sidelines after one run last season. Turns 10 next week and considerable step up required from his recent Hilly Way comeback.
Captain Guinness: High-class when bringing his ‘A’ game, as demonstrated when taking advantage of a diminished Champion Chase field to win at last season’s Cheltenham Festival, but also has the potential to blow out, like when returning clinically abnormal after his dismal Fortria Chase run last time. Difficult to have full trust.
Found A Fifty: Grade 1 winner in novice company here last season and now seeking a fourth win on the bounce after another top-level victory at Aintree on final start of 2023/’24 campaign and Grade 2 successes at Down Royal and Navan this term. Has a race sharpness edge on Gaelic Warrior but had no answer to the same rival when second in last year’s Arkle.
Gaelic Warrior: Blew out over an extended two miles and five furlongs at the Dublin Racing Festival here last spring but brilliant in Grade 1 starts either side of that in the Faugheen at Limerick and Arkle at Cheltenham. Likely over the top when second to Il Etait Temps at Punchestown when last seen. Probably better going right-handed and lacks a recent run. However, finished eight and a half lengths clear of Found A Fifty in last year’s Arkle and he’s already second favourite for this season’s Champion Chase.
Gentleman De Mee: Beaten seven and a half lengths by Dinoblue when second in this last year but is more of a spring horse and never figured on his Fortria Chase comeback. Others preferred this time around.
Marine Nationale: Dual Grade 1-winning novice hurdler made an impressive transition to fences in a beginners’ chase at this meeting last year. However, wheels came off when 10 lengths behind Found A Fifty in the Irish Arkle and then missed the Cheltenham Festival (9/4 Arkle favourite at the time) due to a suspensory strain. Safely held by Quilixios on last month’s comeback at Naas. Arrives here with something to prove at the highest level over fences.
Senecia: Career-best effort when third in the Fortria last time. Only rated 139, though, and likely to find this too hot.
Solness: Done no favours by Found A Fifty jumping across his path when a close second in the Fortria Chase. Beaten 25 lengths by Jonbon in the Tingle Creek since (last of four finishers). Could pick up prize money but would be a surprise winner.
Visionarian: Appreciates decent ground and has run well here before but has 16lb to find with Gaelic Warrior and must bounce back from pulling up in the Dan Moore last time.
Dinoblue: Winner of this race last year when beating only two home (Dysart Dynamo fell and Captain Guinness pulled up while clinically abnormal). Cheltenham Festival second finished 10 lengths off Energumene in the Hilly Way at Cork on comeback. Every chance she’ll be sharper now and not out of it on ratings when factoring in her 7lb mares’ allowance.
Conclusion: Found A Fifty could have an edge on Gaelic Warrior here given he’s had two runs already this season and the favourite probably prefers going right-handed. However, last year’s Arkle winner will have had this as his target for some time and proved he was the superior horse of the pair last season. He will be tough to beat if returning in top order.