Racing Post Novice Chase (Grade 1)

Facile Vega: Huge hype going into last season after perfect bumper campaign and mostly delivered, with two Grade 1 wins on his CV, the first coming at this meeting. Had excuses for a flop at this course in February (went too hard early) and only found Marine Nationale too good in Supreme before rounding off with a straightforward win at Punchestown. Jumped reasonably well on chasing debut at Navan, where he had the measure of Inthepocket comfortably. Drying ground is a slight concern - it was good to yielding for his no show at the DRF, but he is a three-time course winner.

Found A Fifty: Emerged as a smart novice hurdler with easy maiden hurdle win at Fairyhouse before finding only Corbetts Cross too good in a two-mile Grade 3 at Naas - run in a smart time, thepair of them clear. Season derailed after that but trainer felt he did too much with him too early on reflection and he was nicely back on track with smooth beginners chase win at Down Royal. Bar running keenly early on, he did everything right in the Drinmore, only to find the 158-rated second season novice I Am Maximus too strong late on. The move back to this trip makes him interesting and it won’t be a surprise if he shows up well.

My Mate Mozzie It has taken perhaps longer than expected for this point-to-point winner to end up over fences but he has excelled on the flat, where he is currently rated 96. His hurdles form is reasonable as well, if not at the standard of Facile Vega and Inthepocket, but he was only a length off Zarak The Brave in the Galway Hurdle, racing off a mark of 141. Improved from chase debut second to The Big Chap to win smoothly at Cheltenham - runner-up Jetronic has since disappointed. Useful sort but plenty to do back in Grade 1 company.

Sharjah: Four-time Matheson Hurdle winner at this meeting peaked at a rating of 165 over hurdles, before turning his hand to chasing at the age of 10. Despite that, he looked smart when winning first two starts, showing a very good attitude for jumping, especially when 12 lengths too good for useful Captain Conby in Tipperary Grade 3. Disappointed in Drinmore but combination of soft ground and two and a half miles wouldn’t have played to his strengths, and his record at this track on this type of ground shouldn’t be underestimated.

Conclusion:

Only four declarations for the final running of this Grade 1 is a little bit disappointing but it’s an intriguing contest nonetheless and almost certainly more competitive than the current betting suggests. With that in mind, it might be worth taking on Facile Vega. Sharjah has a formidable record at this course and can bounce back from his blip at Fairyhouse, but Found A Fifty has more upside, especially coming back to two miles.