2.20 Brand New Racing Post App Novice Chase (Grade 1) 2m 1f

Hollow Games: Grade 3 novice hurdle winner at Navan last season; subsequently placed twice in Grade 1 company. Hugely impressive on his chasing debut last month, making all the running; jumping and travelling easily.

Will appreciate stepping up in trip as the campaign progresses but dangerous to underestimate at the minimum distance. Looks a leading contender.

Midnight Run: Best performance over fences to date when easily winning a Grade 2 at Punchestown last time. With eight runs over the larger obstacles, he has more experience than his rivals, so that could count for plenty if it becomes a test of jumping.

On the downside, given his previous efforts, he lacks the same scope for improvement as a couple of these.

Saint Roi: Was the highest rated of these over hurdles; winning a County Hurdle, Grade 3 at Tipperary and just touched off in a Morgiana (Grade 1).

Ultimately failed to step up to Champion Hurdle class but as a seven-year-old, he still has time to fulfil his undoubted potential now switched to fences. He finished behind Fil Dor at Navan on his chasing debut and there’s no obvious reason why he should overturn that form.

Visionarian: Smart handicapper over hurdles but already looks a better chaser. Followed up his Wexford debut success with a Grade 3 win at the Galway festival. Had to concede weight when an honourable third in similar company at Punchestown last time (Midnight Run back in third).

Needs to improve further if he is to trouble the principals but it isn’t completely out of the question.

Fil Dor: Grade 2 juvenile hurdle winner on the corresponding card last year and went on to finish second in Grade 1 class on his next three starts. Connections wasted little time in switching their attention to fences this term and the four-year-old rewarded that initiative with an impressive debut success at Navan last month. With conditions very much in his favour and receiving the weight-for-age allowance, he looks the one to beat.

Conclusion

Gordon Elliott holds a strong hand in the opening Grade 1 race of the festival with both FIL DOR and Hollow Games leading candidates.

With the latter looking a horse who will prove even better when faced with a stiffer test of stamina, it is the exciting four-year-old Fil Dor who is given the nod.

Saint Roi could be the potential fly in the ointment, given that he was a Champion Hurdle fancy at one stage and is the sole representative from the Willie Mullins yard in the contest.