High-class chaser. Ten wins from 18 NH runs. 1 win from 2 runs this season. 10/3, 28¼ lengths fourth of 6 to Found A Fifty in Fortria Chase at Navan (16f, good to soft) 22 days ago. Should be sharper now.
Very smart chaser. C&D winner. 11/10, creditable 1½ lengths third of 9 to Banbridge in William Hill Champion Chase at Punchestown (16.4f, good to soft). Off 7 months. Yard having good spell.
High-class chaser. Didn't need to be at best when winning 6-runner Newlands Chase at Naas (16f, heavy, 2/5) by 5½ lengths from Rebel Gold, easily. Off 9 months.
High-class chaser. 33/1, good 5½ lengths fifth of 9 to Fastorslow in Punchestown Gold Cup at Punchestown (25f, good to soft), suited by emphasis on speed. Off 7 months. Stable having good spell.
High-class chaser. Seven wins from 16 NH runs. 6½ lengths fourth of 6 to Fastorslow in John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase at Punchestown (19.7f, soft, 6/1). Off 12 months.
Top-class chaser who was very much on song in spring 2023, winning a second Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March before following up at Punchestown in April. Not seen since but still the one to beat.
Smart chaser. 15/2, bit below form 21½ lengths fifth of 10 to Gaelic Warrior in Arkle Chase at Cheltenham (15.9f, heavy). Off 9 months. Yard having good spell. Difficult ask.
Useful chaser. 2 wins from 4 runs this season. Career best when winning 6-runner handicap chase at this course (17.6f, good, 11/4) 56 days ago. Easy to look elsewhere.
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Forecasts
Energumene (5/4), Dinoblue (5/2), Ferny Hollow (7/1), Appreciate It (9/1), Blue Lord (10/1), Hunters Yarn (16/1), Banbridge (16/1), The Banger Doyle (80/1)
Willie Mullins dominates this race and ENERGUMENE can make light of his absence and win it for a third time. Banbridge can step up on his reappearance and provide the chief threat ahead of Blue Lord, another from the Mullins yard returning from a layoff.