A competitive renewal of the QuinnBet Novice Handicap Chase over two and a half miles brings together a strong field of 20 runners, many of whom are making their handicap debut over fences after progressive novice campaigns. The going is yielding, and the pace forecast suggests an even gallop, which should allow those with strong travelling profiles or sound jumping to get into a rhythm.

This race has often proved fruitful for top Irish yards – Willie Mullins has won 5 of the last 6 renewals, and he launches a five-strong team again. As always at this meeting, previous course form, recent chasing progress, and trainer intent are all crucial.

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Leading Contenders

NATIVE SPEAKER (Henry de Bromhead) – Timeform adj. rating: 161

A solid and reliable type, Native Speaker has proven consistency and jumping prowess, with three wins and two placings from his last five starts. His latest third at Fairyhouse in a novice chase was full of grit, and he appears well suited by an even pace. Timeform note he “jumps soundly” and he is expected to race handily – a potential advantage. However, it’s worth noting that he has a history of trading shorter in-running than his final position suggests. Fresh off a 139-day break, market strength will be telling for his fitness and intent.

COMMON PRACTICE (Joseph O’Brien) – Timeform adj. rating: 158

A Grade 3-winning novice chaser who looks to have more to come. He stays the trip well and showed his class when scoring at Thurles in March. His progression over fences has been sharp, and he appeals as one who could thrive in a big-field handicap scenario. Joseph O’Brien has a decent record with handicap chasers, and the Timeform ‘p’ symbol implies more to come. A leading contender, especially if conditions stay relatively fair underfoot.

THEATRE NATIVE (Henry de Bromhead) – Timeform adj. rating: 155

One of the few in this field with Festival-winning handicap form, having romped home at Cheltenham last month in a mares’ event. She won by 10 lengths and is clearly improving fast. She’s been rated higher than her mark by Timeform, and this more mixed company will test her, but she’s well worth her place. The ‘p’ symbol also applies here, suggesting further upside.

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Main Dangers

BLIZZARD OF OZ (Willie Mullins) – Timeform adj. rating: 153

Placed in all three chase starts and now enters handicaps off what could be a workable mark. He’s still unexposed and gets the ‘remains with potential’ comment from Timeform. He’s been kept to soft/heavy ground and handled it well, so conditions suit. Mullins’s record in this race demands respect – he’s landed this with similar profiles in recent years. Should go well if fully tuned up after 76 days off.

ZENTA (Willie Mullins) – Timeform adj. rating: 151+

A useful mare with Grade 1 hurdle form, Zenta may have been a touch unlucky last time when poorly positioned. She was third in a listed mares’ chase on her latest start and could be a significant player back under a 5lb claimer. However, she’s still not the most fluent jumper, and that may tell in a big-field handicap like this.

MOON D’ORANGE (John McConnell) – Timeform adj. rating: 154

Has already landed a competitive handicap at Cheltenham this season and shaped well when fourth in the Silver Trophy back there last time. He stays well, travels strongly, and handles these big-field tests. With plenty of experience under his belt, he’s likely to be in the mix again.

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Interesting Outsiders / Each-Way Angles

NEVERADULLMOMENT (J.P. Dempsey) – Timeform adj. rating: 153

A potentially well-handicapped chaser who returned from a break last autumn with two decisive Galway wins. Travelled well before tiring late on his final start and could sneak into the frame if primed. Absent 187 days, so market support would be encouraging.

LISNAGAR FORTUNE (Willie Mullins) – Timeform adj. rating: 149x

Has useful hurdle form but hasn’t quite put it together over fences yet. However, he ranks well on the Early Position Figure map, suggesting a prominent ride, and has hinted at more to come. Unconvincing over fences so far, but not dismissed at a double-figure price under Danny Mullins.

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Trends and Stats to Note

• 7 of the last 10 winners were trained by Willie Mullins, who saddles five again.
• Recent form is key – 9 of the last 10 winners had finished in the first three on one of their last two starts.
• Horses aged 6–8 have dominated – only one winner older than that in the past decade.
• Many successful runners were making their handicap chase debut, including Native Speaker, Common Practice, and Blizzard of Oz.

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Conclusion

This looks a strong renewal with plenty of unexposed chasers. Native Speaker makes plenty of appeal with the top adjusted Timeform rating and a good racing style, but his past in-running fades are a concern. Common Practice might be the one with the most long-term upside, while Theatre Native is a major threat if her Cheltenham form stands up. Blizzard of Oz and Moon D’Orange head the dangers, and Neveradullmoment appeals at bigger odds with the potential to improve again if fit.

A lively, competitive Listed handicap — and the betting should tell us plenty about who’s here to win.