2.55 Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase (Grade 1) 2m 1f

Firefox: A close third in the Drinmore over two and a half miles on yielding ground, he was slightly disappointing when five-lengths second in a Grade 2 next time out. His trainer blamed the soft ground, as opposed to the drop to two miles.

Here Comes Georgie: A welcome British raider, who is unlikely to feature in the finish.

Ile Atlantique: Made it two from two over fences in a Grade 2 at Naas. A bumper win at the track and Grade 1 form over hurdles further boost his chances, but he’d have more of an edge on softer ground.

Jeannot Lapin: Plenty of talk after winning a beginners’ chase at the Christmas Festival at 100/1. The horse he beat by two and a half lengths was previously beaten over 18 lengths by Ile Atlantique, while the fourth was well-beaten next time out.

Touch Me Not: Emerged as a smart novice chaser when winning a Grade 2 at Punchestown, and there was a lot to like about last month’s run, bar a mistake at the sixth fence. The four-runner race was not the strongest renewal, however.

Majborough: Runner-up in this card’s Grade 1 juvenile hurdle after 10 months off, he turned the tables in the Triumph, and transferred his talents with an impressive chase debut last month.

Conclusion:

Majborough impressed when scooting clear of two talented stablemates at Fairyhouse, and Ile Atlantique could recreate the scene by chasing him home today. Danny Gilligan’s mount Touch Me Not is next preferred, given Ile Atlantique’s comprehensive defeat of stable companion Firefox.