A fiercely competitive Listed handicap chase with a maximum field of 23 declared runners, this 2-mile contest has drawn a mix of improving novices, seasoned campaigners, and former graded performers. The going is officially yielding, and a strong gallop is anticipated – Timeform’s pace forecast flags “Extreme” pressure on the lead, which could have a major bearing on outcomes. Runners with stamina for slightly further and an ability to settle off the speed may be favoured.

Leading Contenders

SPINNING WEB (Timeform Rating: 154p)
Progressive 5-year-old who arrives here on the up, having won back-to-back races at Thurles in March – the latter a 13-runner handicap in dominant style. He jumped fluently and travelled strongly through that contest, suggesting there’s more to come from his mark of 124. Timeform’s ‘p’ symbol confirms they believe further improvement is likely, and a fast-run race could play perfectly into his hands. The lightly-raced profile and 2 from 2 chasing record at the trip make him a leading player.

GABRIEL’S GETAWAY (159)
Shaped very encouragingly on return from over a year off at Doncaster, and the pace scenario looks a big help for this strong-travelling type. His trainer Anthony Honeyball is a shrewd placer, and although his rating might look high for one with limited chasing experience, he has the tools to defy it if back to full fitness. Notably, Timeform flags him as “boosted by a strong pace”, while he also traded very short in-running on his last start — a sign he retains ability.

CHAMPAGNE MAHLER (154p)
Henry de Bromhead’s 7-year-old surged clear to win a competitive Gowran Park handicap on soft ground in March. That form reads well, and he shapes like one still on the improve. He’s rated 125 and still open to progress over fences, with a strong traveller’s profile and a proven turn of foot. Handles this sort of ground well and looks likely to be played late, which suits the race setup.

Main Dangers

KEEP RUNNING (154)
An enthusiastic front-runner with UK form, including a clearcut Ffos Las win and a strong second to Bad at Kempton last time. He’s tactically versatile and brings stamina to the table, though the potential pace burn-up is a concern for a horse who likes to race prominently. Still, his form holds up well and his trainer Warren Greatrex is in good form.

MIRAZUR WEST (156p)
A talented type with scope, and trained by Willie Mullins, who has won this race twice in the last 10 years. He’s unexposed over fences and got the job done in a Cork maiden in straightforward style. However, he’s been off 11 days short of two months and may be vulnerable in this field if caught up in the early heat – Timeform flags him as negatively affected by the likely strong pace. Worth keeping an eye on market signals.

TULLYHILL (155+)
Another from the Mullins yard and ridden by Paul Townend (who rides this track at a 45% clip), Tullyhill was a smart novice hurdler and has shown similar potential over fences, though his recent form is patchy. His “+” symbol indicates more is expected than he’s shown so far. He’s on a retrieval mission here and drops into handicap company for the first time. Given the 84-day absence, a watching brief is advised unless the market speaks firmly in his favour.

Interesting Outsiders

DONT GO YET (155)
An 11-year-old with bundles of experience, he finished second in a veterans’ event at Wexford last time and is clearly in good heart. He’s gone well at this track before and his trainer Edward Cawley isn’t one to tilt at windmills. Off a low weight and in a race where closers could be favoured, he appeals as a solid each-way option at a big price.

ASPIRE TOWER (155)
Former high-class hurdler who returned to form when winning a maiden chase at Wexford. He’s a 9-year-old now and hasn’t always been the easiest to predict, but on raw talent, he has the back class to make an impact if things fall right. Back after 27 days, so fitness is assured, but big-field fences are a new dynamic for him.

JASKO DES DAMES (154p)
Represents Henry de Bromhead and ran better than the result when fifth in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham, a race that’s traditionally a very strong form line. He’s still a 6-year-old and remains on a fair mark. The “p” symbol suggests improvement to come, and the slightly longer trip here might unlock it.


—

Trainer Trends

Willie Mullins has won this race twice in the past 10 years and saddles two key contenders: Mirazur West and Tullyhill.

Henry de Bromhead has a strong hand with Champagne Mahler, Aspire Tower, and Jasko des Dames — the latter two already proven in similar company.

Warren Greatrex (Keep Running) and Anthony Honeyball (Gabriel’s Getaway) are both UK-based trainers with strong strike rates in Irish raids over the last two seasons.



—

Verdict

This looks tailor-made for a strong-travelling closer who can pick through tiring horses late on. Spinning Web and Gabriel’s Getaway stand out as improving types suited to the scenario. Champagne Mahler is another on the upgrade and appeals as a main threat, while Don’t Go Yet could be a big each-way player from a handy mark. Keep an eye on market moves for Tullyhill and Mirazur West, whose form and trainer records command respect, but whose racing styles may count against them in this cauldron.