Pace & Race Shape
- Small field, likely tactical.
- Runcok has made the running before (Tipperary win) but can be scrappy at his fences – could go forward again.
- King Of Kingsfield has been ridden handy and finished off strongly at Galway.
- The Dara Man and Saint Peregrine lack the class of the top pair and likely sit off them.
Expect a controlled, even pace with the two principals dominating.
Strongest Contenders
King Of Kingsfield – Progressive
- High-class hurdler (placed in Grade 1).
- Only second chase start when winning well at Galway (2m2f), jumping fluently and staying on strongly.
- Tongue-tie added today, suggesting connections expect further improvement.
- Solid jumper, should confirm superiority over Runcok if repeating Galway effort.
Runcok – Untidy but Talented
- Mullins/Paul Townend combination demands respect.
- Won at Tipperary but his fencing still looks novicey (Roscommon fall, mistakes at Galway).
- Rated 5lb inferior over hurdles to King Of Kingsfield and hasn’t shown same upward curve.
- Will need a clean round to pose a serious threat.
Main Dangers / Outsiders
The Dara Man – Regressive
- Course winner (over hurdles) and three chase wins, but best form was 12 months ago.
- Well held in handicaps this year, looks on the downgrade.
- Has ground/trip suitability but little chance against the Elliott/Mullins pair.
Saint Peregrine – Exposed
- Only fair at best over hurdles, form miles below required level.
- One chase run (fourth, beaten 14L) suggests limited ability.
- Simply outclassed.
Runner Scores (Suitability & Chance)
- King Of Kingsfield – 9/10: Proven class, progressive chaser, major chance.
- Runcok – 7/10: Talented but vulnerable to mistakes.
- The Dara Man – 4/10: Past his peak, place chance at best.
- Saint Peregrine – 2/10: Well below required standard.
Private Tissue Odds
- King Of Kingsfield – 4/6
- Runcok – 6/4
- The Dara Man – 16/1
- Saint Peregrine – 50/1
Summary
This is effectively a match between King Of Kingsfield and Runcok.
- King Of Kingsfield looked professional and progressive at Galway and rates the likelier winner.
- Runcok has the engine but his fencing remains suspect – hard to trust at short odds.
- The other two are playing for scraps.
Smart Play (Pro Punter View)
- Win bet: King Of Kingsfield – progressive profile, Galway form is strongest on show.
- Without fav / place saver: Runcok – only danger if he puts in a clean round.
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