FRENCH Dynamite represents Mouse Morris and Robcour in the Grade 2 bet365 Charlie Hall Chase, as connections bid to land back-to-back runnings of today’s feature at Wetherby.

The nine-year-old was last seen winning a Grade 3 at Punchestown, where he was chased home by Minella Indo and Hewick, the favourite Conflated having unseated at the first. On whether he was please with his charge’s latest performance, Morris told The Irish Field: “I was delighted to win but disappointed that race didn’t qualify him for the National by 73 yards.

“That’s why he’s running at Wetherby, so hopefully he can finish in the first four. He’s in good fettle.” Morris also confirmed that last year’s winner Gentlemansgame is back in training, with a plan yet to be decided for the eight-year-old.

With Grey Dawning now a non-runner due to the ground, the 2022 winner Bravemansgame currently heads the betting, having finished second to Gentlemansgame 12 months ago. His 2022 win came on his first start of the season, having undergone wind surgery during the summer, and that is the case once again today.

French Dynamite’s Punchestown rival Conflated reopposes today, instead of contesting the Champion Chase at Down Royal, in which he finished third last year, beaten a length and three quarters.

From one National hope to another

Closer to home the following afternoon, Morris is hopeful that Caesar Rock can gain a deserved return to winning ways in the Paddy Power Cork Grand National Handicap Chase.

“He’s not without his chance,” his trainer said. “The weights have gone up but I don’t think that’ll worry him, with Gavin’s claim.”

Gavin Brouder, who claims 5lb, was aboard last time out, when the Michael and John O’Flynn-owned gelding finished second in a €45,000 handicap chase at Limerick. Tomorrow’s listed test marks Caesar Rock’s first attempt over three and a half miles, though having previously won a novice hurdle over three miles.

On the trip, Morris mused: “It’s always a mystery in racing, isn’t it? Sometimes I think he wants shorter, sometimes I think he wants longer.”

Caesar Rock’s pedigree suggests he should stay, the son of Mahler being a half-brother to Becher Handicap Chase victor Highland Lodge and Rendlesham Hurdle winner Closing Ceremony.