A competitive renewal of the Listed Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase, with a full field of 17 declared and a good spread of proven handicappers, lightly-raced chasers and British raiders. This has been a race where proven stamina, a solid recent run, and a touch of class have typically counted. The going is yielding and the pace map suggests an even gallop, though prominent racers have historically fared better around this trip at Punchestown.

🔍 Key Trends and Pointers

• Irish-trained horses have dominated, though Anthony Honeyball (UK) won it last year with Minella Crooner and runs two again.
• De Bromhead has two previous winners in this race (Heron Heights in 2019 and another prior), and fields Majestic Force and Amirite.
• Timeform Ratings suggest several closely matched contenders, but profiles, layoff length, and jockey bookings add nuance.
• Horses returning after 60+ day breaks have a mixed record — watch the market closely for signs of intent.

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🏇 Strongest Contenders

🟩 BATTLE IT OUT (Timeform 131, Adj: 133)
A strong stayer who arrives on the back of a career-best win at Fairyhouse, where he overcame a bad mistake to rally and win narrowly. Lightly raced this term and seems to thrive on soft/yielding ground. Capable of further progress and races off a good mark. Stays well and looks a major player if repeating that effort.

🟦 CANAL END (TFR 129, Adj: 132)
Progressed well to land a Listed handicap at Navan in March, going clear in good style under M. P. Walsh. He travels strongly and jumps soundly, and the yard is in decent form. Looks a natural for staying handicap chases and appeals as a horse still on the upgrade.

🟨 MAJESTIC FORCE (TFR 126, Adj: 130)
Lightly raced mare who stayed well when landing a Wexford maiden chase on only her second start over fences. Prominent racing style suits this course and trip, and connections clearly think highly of her. Open to plenty of improvement now handicapping, but this is a step up in depth, and she’s short enough given the profile.

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⚠️ Main Dangers

BEACHCOMBER (TFR 133, Adj: 133)
Striking Kempton winner over Christmas who has form in deeper races. Underwhelmed in a recent Kempton premier handicap, but that may have been too competitive. Travels well and is suited to middle-distance tests. Yard capable of readying one — respected if supported in the market.

JASMIN DE GRUGY (TFR 124, Adj: 129)
Won four races in a row through the autumn/winter before being turned over at short odds last time. Travels strongly and looks the type to bounce back. The pace map flags a concern, as a steady gallop may not play to his strengths, but he has ability and connections (Honeyball/Torrens) are back for another tilt after last year’s success.

AMIRITE (TFR 140, Adj: 136)
Fourth in the Topham at Aintree was a notable effort considering that test was on the sharp side. De Bromhead’s second runner, he’s versatile regarding trip and ground. Well treated if judged on his peak form, though inconsistent, and will need to avoid jumping errors.

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🧐 Interesting Outsiders (EW angles)

TRUE TESTIMONY (TFR 124, Adj: 126)
Lightly raced mare who was narrowly denied in a Listed mares’ handicap at Fairyhouse. That run suggested she’s close to a win, and the 3lb claim brings her right into the mix. Worth a second look at double-figure odds.

SAM BROWN (TFR 150, Adj: 140)
Now a 13-year-old, but still capable on his day — landed a veterans’ chase at Newbury in March. Ran flat in the Freebooter at Aintree, and longer gaps between races don’t help at this age. Capable, but needs a strong pace and ideally softer ground. Watch the market.

BILL BAXTER (TFR 126, Adj: 128)
Has shaped as if retaining ability this season after a couple of errors. Useful handicapper at his best, and connections have freshened him up after a modest Wincanton effort. Worth monitoring for any signs of revival.

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❗ Trainer Watch

• Anthony Honeyball: Won this last year with Minella Crooner (returns this year off a break), and runs two again in Jasmin de Grugy and Sam Brown.
• Henry de Bromhead: Two past winners, including 2019, and his pair Majestic Force and Amirite both look dangerous.
• Gordon Elliott: Has multiple runners but none jump off the page based on recent efforts — watch for support on Tullybeg or Minella Crooner if the market speaks.

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📌 Summary

This is a deep race where Battle It Out and Canal End set a good standard among the Irish-trained contingent, with Beachcomber and Jasmin de Grugy adding intrigue from across the water. Majestic Force is unexposed and improving but may not offer value in a compressed handicap. Keep an eye on True Testimony as a lively each-way play, and monitor market moves closely on the older or returning types such as Sam Brown and Bill Baxter.