2m1f | Yielding | 12 runners

A proper mid-winter Grade 3 with depth, pace and plenty of course form on show. Yielding ground around Fairyhouse over this sharp 2m1f usually rewards accurate jumping and tactical speed rather than out-and-out stamina, and this looks set to be run at a solid clip.

Blood Destiny heads the weights and the market, and it’s easy to see why. Willie Mullins’ gelding is a classy operator at this level, arrives in good heart, and has strong form on soft/yielding ground. He’s effective going right-handed and Paul Townend keeps the ride, but 11-12 in a competitive handicap means he’ll need to be near his best.

Touch Me Not is very solid and looks one of the safer profiles. He’s consistent, jumps well, and his recent second suggests he’s still well treated. The 5lb claim helps and he’s proven around Fairyhouse, which is a big plus in a race like this.

Last year’s winner The King Of Prs is back for more and arrives off a workable mark. He knows how to win this race, handles conditions, and tends to peak around this time of year. Not bombproof, but dangerous if everything clicks.

Inthepocket is the joker in the pack. Lightly raced over fences, he has the raw ability to be much better than his current chase record suggests. If he jumps fluently, he’s one who could outclass them late, though there’s an element of risk attached.

At bigger odds, Drumgill makes appeal. He loves Fairyhouse, is well suited by the trip, and comes here off a confidence-boosting win. The handicapper hasn’t missed him, but he’s thriving and gets a handy weight.

Verdict:
A tight, tactical handicap where jumping and position will matter more than raw pace. Blood Destiny sets the standard, but Touch Me Not and The King Of Prs look the most solid alternatives, with Drumgill the value each-way angle if the race turns scrappy late.