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Paul Townend has ridden Chacun Pour Soi to five Grade 1 victories but preferred ENERGUMENE in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham as he does here. That race was devalued by the poor run of Shishkin and by Chacun Pour Soi coming to grief five out but the winner travelled well throughout and should have no problems with third-placed Envoi Allen. Andy Dufresne and Captain Guinness have won good races in their time but don't look up to this.
Irish Envoy had Ideal De Ciergues and Katie Tay close behind when scoring at Naas but preference here is for the latter, who got no sort of run. CALDWELL POTTER, a €200,000 full-brother to Mighty Potter, looks best of Gordon Elliott's quartet on riding arrangements and gets the nod though Willie Mullins has two entries. Rocco Ray has Patrick on board and he's related to five winners so looks the stable pick while Noel Meade's Nucky Johnson is related to a smart winner on the Flat.
BOB OLINGER was a very fortunate winner at Cheltenham, taking advantage when the brilliant Galopin Des Champs fell at the last. However, that was his seventh victory in eight outings under Rules and he had Capodanno almost five lengths behind in a Grade 3 here in January.
There was no disgrace in Fury Road's second to Ahoy Senor at Aintree while UK raider Millers Bank won the Grade 1 Manifesto very easily there earlier this month. Beacon Edge, a very smart hurdler, had Fury Road just behind when landing the Grade 1 Drinmore at Fairyhouse in November.
It's a surprise to see Enda Bolger having just one runner in this so De Nordener, who has only had five starts between the flags and won his last two, must be considered ready for this test. He's only a youngster in this sphere as is GOOD BYE SAM, who landed a hunters' race at Tramore despite being unsuited by the track. Beyond Redemption has been in cracking form between the flags while Vital Island and Michael's Pick have invaluable experience of these obstacles.
Jaariam looks best of those with experience having performed with credit on heavy ground here in February but this should go to a newcomer. Firm Footings cost €220,000 and is a half-brother to the top-class Monalee while Lisnagar Fortune is a half-brother to Stayers' Hurdle winner Lisnagar Oscar. Sarah's Soldier is a half-brother to a winning bumper but a tentative vote goes to the filly HOPEFORARUN, a half-sister to Run For Mary and Run For Oscar.
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