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This Grade 1 novice chase brings together a small but talented field for what is typically one of the highlight two-mile events of the Punchestown Festival. Willie Mullins has won the last nine renewals of the Barberstown Castle Novice Chase, and once again fields a strong contender aiming to continue that remarkable streak.

The pace is expected to be steady, which may influence how the race unfolds tactically. With a few runners returning from 50+ day breaks, the market could offer telling clues closer to post time.

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Leading Contender: Majborough [Timeform Rating: 168p]

A high-class novice who has already shown top-level form over hurdles and fences, Majborough arrives here following a close third in the Arkle at Cheltenham, where a major blunder two out arguably cost him the win. That effort came off a strong gallop, so a steadier pace here may make things more tactical, but his proven ability to quicken off a decent tempo stands him in good stead.

He previously bolted up in the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown and represents the all-conquering Mullins-Walsh combination. The stable’s record in this race speaks volumes, and the horse remains open to further improvement with experience. The key will be avoiding another jumping lapse — if he does, he’s the one they all have to beat.

🔍 Trend Note: Willie Mullins has trained the last nine winners of this race, including stars like El Fabiolo and Energumene.

📌 Timeform Comment: “Remains an exciting chasing prospect. Did very well to rally for third in the Arkle after a major mistake.”

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Main Danger: Only By Night [Timeform Rating: 164]

A smart and progressive mare from Gavin Cromwell’s yard, Only By Night also ran in the Arkle and emerged with great credit, finishing a close second to Jango Baie. That marked a significant step up in grade, and she appeared to improve for the bigger occasion. She’s a strong traveller and will enjoy a more tactical affair if the pace does indeed prove steady.

Receiving 7lb from Majborough under the conditions of the race, she looks the most likely to capitalise if the favourite underperforms. Cromwell has had good success in novice events this season, and she brings a reliable profile to the table.

📌 Timeform Comment: “Improved when second in the Arkle; travels strongly and should be suited by the expected tempo.”

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Other Notables:

Brookie [TFR: 160]
Returned to form with a strong runner-up effort in the Grade 1 Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree. That race fell apart slightly, and the winner ran them into the ground, but Brookie stayed on well to snatch second. He is going the right way again, though might ideally prefer a stiffer stamina test than this tight 2m configuration. Worth monitoring for market strength — he’s been relatively busy, but the form is solid.

🧠 Trainer Note: Anthony Honeyball is having a solid spring campaign in both codes, and the horse’s confidence may be high after his last run.

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Rubaud [TFR: 155]
A likeable, genuine sort from Paul Nicholls who has shown smart form in small-field contests in Britain, including victory in the Pendil at Kempton. However, he was well held in the Manifesto at Aintree and might find this Irish Grade 1 a touch sharp. He’s likely to go forward and could make the pace if asked, but might be vulnerable late if the principals line up a finishing kick.

🔍 Trend Note: Nicholls has not won this race in the last 10 years, and British-trained runners are 0-13 in the same period.

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Jeannot Lapin [TFR: 149]
A lightly raced type from Gearoid O’Loughlin’s yard who made a good start over fences when winning at Leopardstown and has been holding his own since. His second to Champ Kiely in the Flyingbolt at Navan was decent, but he lacks the depth of form the top two boast. Off 61 days, he’s one to keep an eye on in the market — any confidence behind him would be interesting.

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Jesse Evans [TFR: 148+]
A versatile dual-purpose performer for Noel Meade, he’s a tough and consistent type who stays further than this. He might find the test a bit on the sharp side at this level, particularly off a weak pace. He was a staying-on third in a Grade 3 last November, but hasn’t been seen over fences since and is another returning from a break (29 days). Unlikely to get the race run to suit.

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🧭 Summary & Selection:

Majborough brings the standout form and will take plenty of stopping if producing a clean round. His rallying third in the Arkle sets the benchmark, and he’s taken to give Willie Mullins a tenth consecutive win in this contest. Only By Night is a worthy rival, open to more improvement herself, and her Cheltenham run puts her firmly in the picture. The pair look well clear on form. Brookie may offer some depth if the leaders underperform but will need the race to fall his way.

Selection: Majborough
Main Danger: Only By Night
Place Potential: Brookie (if the principals fluff their lines)