A trappy staying handicap chase with 11 runners declared, where several arrive with questions to answer but a few still offer potential at this modest level. Conditions are set fair, although Timeform expect a weak pace which may disadvantage those who usually come from behind.


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Top Contenders

GENERAL HUBBLE (TFR 109)
Returned to form under Gordon Elliott last autumn, winning twice before shaping better than the bare result in a female riders’ event at Fairyhouse. That was over shorter than ideal and he now returns from a break, but is proven at 3m+ and his adjusted rating makes him the standard setter. Timeform flags that he’s looked quirky in the past, but there’s been little wrong with him for the current stable.

COLLEGE CAUSEWAY (TFR 104)
Lightly raced over fences and built on chase debut when second at Down Royal last time (behind Smitty Bacall, who re-opposes via Rust To Riches). Still early days in this sphere and represents a capable yard. Tongue tie remains off but cheekpieces return. Capable of going close again if building on latest.

RUST TO RICHES (TFR 102x)
Poor maiden chaser overall, but made a solid start for Colin McBratney when third to Smitty Bacall at Down Royal. That was off a long layoff and now races off a 1lb lower mark. Place claims again, though his profile is patchy and winning form remains absent under rules.


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Main Dangers

TANKARDSTOWN DIVA (TFR 106)
Failed to fire at Kilbeggan last time in a big field but has shown fair form over fences and stays well. Could bounce back here for the Donoghues with the blinkers back on. Market support would be notable.

ROBYNDEGLORY (TFR 106)
Placed back over hurdles last time at Cork, but her chase form is modest overall and she’s 10 now. With the likely steady gallop, she may not get the race run to suit.

CULLENWAINE (TFR 107)
Won twice earlier in the season (including here), but his last two efforts were poor. Still just a 7yo, but trainer form is cold and his fencing can be error-prone. He’s the type to pop up at a price, though more likely with cut underfoot.


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Interesting Outsiders

GREENWAY MACHINE (TFR 106x)
13yo veteran who won this race type at Tramore last year. Reappeared with a tame run after a break but may come on for that. Still capable of sneaking a place if the pace collapses.

HIT THE FRAME (TFR —)
Unexposed over fences and bred to stay, but hasn’t yet shown enough over hurdles to suggest a breakthrough is imminent. Blinkers and tongue tie tried now, so watch the market.


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Trends and Trainer Notes

Gordon Elliott (trains General Hubble) has won this race before with Jump The Shark in 2024.

4 of the last 6 winners were aged 6 or 7, which favours the likes of General Hubble, College Causeway, and Hit The Frame.

Winners tend to be proven stayers with at least some winning form under Rules – another tick for General Hubble and Cullenwaine.



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Summary

General Hubble sets the bar with a fair Timeform adjusted figure and solid staying credentials. College Causeway is open to more progress in just his third chase, while Rust To Riches and Tankardstown Diva appeal most from the larger-priced runners.

If there’s money for Cullenwaine or Greenway Machine, it would be worth noting, particularly with the pace forecast favouring those who race close up.