Heavy ground – 3m1f – 8 runners
Hunter chases at Gowran often fall to horses with genuine class from the professional ranks, and this year’s renewal looks no different. In a small field with a weak pace forecast, the race should turn into a tactical affair where position and jumping rhythm will be crucial.
The Class Angle
The standout horse on ratings is Hunters Yarn. Once a high-class chaser for Willie Mullins, he now operates in the pointing and hunter chase sphere and retains a clear class edge over this field.
His recent second at Naas reads well in the context of this race. He travelled strongly and was only beaten by a horse with Cheltenham hunter chase aspirations. On both HRB and overall form figures he sets the standard comfortably.
This is not a deep race and, provided he jumps cleanly, he simply looks the best horse.
There is a small caveat. Hunters Yarn has shown a tendency to trade short in running before getting caught late. In a bigger field that trait might be more worrying, but in an eight-runner race lacking obvious depth it is less of a concern.
The Main Threats
Lets Go Champ is the most interesting rival. Formerly trained by Henry de Bromhead, he won a valuable handicap chase at Punchestown and clearly has the engine for a race like this. Since switching to the pointing field he has won twice, suggesting he still retains plenty of ability. The question is whether he will be sharp enough back under Rules after a long absence.
Ryehill is another solid hunter chaser who arrives here fit from the pointing field. He finished third behind Hunters Yarn at Naas and that run confirms he handles the conditions well. However, he was beaten nearly ten lengths that day and will need to find improvement to reverse the form.
The Rest
The remainder of the field look up against it.
Cold Old Fire caused a surprise when winning a maiden hunter chase but this is a much stronger contest.
Macs Charm has struggled in recent starts.
Lough Derg Spirit is a fourteen-year-old whose best form is long behind him.
Occupational Force and Padraigs Boy lack the proven class required for this level.
Tactical Picture
Timeform predicts a very weak pace, which should favour horses ridden prominently. That scenario suits Hunters Yarn perfectly as he tends to race handily and jump accurately when in rhythm.
If he gets an uncontested position near the front, the race could develop into a simple test of class rather than stamina.
Verdict
This looks a straightforward race on paper. Hunters Yarn brings the best form, the strongest ratings and a recent run that ties the field together.
If he reproduces his Naas performance he should take plenty of beating.
Selection: Hunters Yarn
Main danger: Lets Go Champ
Place claims: Ryehill