2m3f176y | 4yo+ | Good to yielding, good in places | 7 runners

A small-field beginners’ chase with no obvious confirmed front-runner and the Timeform pace projection correctly points towards a very weakly-run race. In these tactical Irish beginners’ chases, jumping fluency and tactical positioning can become more important than outright stamina. The emphasis may shift toward class and cruising speed rather than attritional staying power.

Limerick over this intermediate trip can suit horses who travel strongly and hold position turning in. In slowly-run races, hold-up types can become vulnerable if conceding first run. Draw is irrelevant over jumps here, but pace positioning absolutely is not.

For this race, the weighting should lean heavily towards:

Proven chase ability/jumping

Tactical speed in a slowly-run contest

Class edge over hurdles/chases

Trainer intent and stable profile in beginners’ chases

Suitability to good/yielding ground


Less emphasis should be placed on raw stamina because the projected pace looks modest.


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Runner-by-runner assessment

1. GIVE HIM A CHANCE (IRE) – 5/10

Progressive handicap hurdler earlier this year and shaped as though the chase debut at Kilbeggan was educational rather than fully competitive. He jumped adequately without ever threatening. This shorter trip around a sharper track may help him travel better.

However, this is a stronger beginners’ chase than the average maiden and he still has to bridge a sizeable class gap on ratings. Tactical pace may also expose any lack of natural speed.

Trainer does well placing horses realistically and improvement is possible second time over fences.

Verdict: Honest type but vulnerable against stronger novice-chase form.
Type: Progressive hurdler rather than obvious chasing prospect.


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2. LE COQ HARDI (IRE) – 8.5/10

The standout on established chase form. Useful handicap chase efforts last year read very strongly in this company, especially the Kilbeggan second and respectable efforts in deeper races afterwards. The Ascot pull-up is easy enough to forgive if something was amiss.

Key positives:

Proven against stronger opposition

Sound jumper overall

Tactical versatility

Strong trainer record in this race

Well suited by this trip and ground


The weak pace should not inconvenience him because he has enough tactical speed to sit handy. On pure form, he sets the standard comfortably.

Only slight concern is the 201-day absence, so market support would strengthen confidence considerably.

Verdict: The proven horse in the race and the one they all have to beat.
Type: Proven.


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3. MA JACKS HILL (IRE) – 7/10 p

Very interesting chasing newcomer from the Gordon Elliott yard. Won a point, won a maiden hurdle, and has shaped like a horse who could improve significantly for fences.

His hurdle form plateaued slightly in handicaps but he was facing decent opposition. The point background and physical profile suggest chasing may unlock more.

Positives:

Point winner

Progressive profile

Tactical pace likely to suit

Yard excels with novice chasers


Potential negative is that his jumping under Rules remains untested and this may become tactical enough to expose inexperience.

Verdict: One of the more interesting improvers in the field.
Type: Progressive chasing type (p).


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4. MISTER PINK (IRE) – 4.5/10

Useful hurdling form in the distant past for Willie Mullins but has not looked straightforward over fences so far. The Wexford fifth was a mild step forward but he still jumped like a horse lacking confidence and fluency.

Likely to be seen to better effect in handicaps later on. Small-field tactical races may not suit ideally because he risks getting tapped for toe before staying on late.

Verdict: Needs significant improvement over fences.
Type: Exposed relative to principals.


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5. OCASTLE DES MOTTES (FR) – 8/10 p

Very dangerous opponent to the selection. His Punchestown chase debut second remains strong form in this context and he retains considerable upside after only three starts over fences.

The Cork comeback run after a long absence was better than the bare result:

Fitness likely needed

Jumping lacked rhythm early

Stayed on respectably enough


Will improve fitness-wise and the Mullins/Townend combination commands obvious respect at Limerick.

The concern is tactical pace. In a steadily-run affair, his jumping still needs to sharpen because losing ground at fences could matter more than usual.

Verdict: Major contender with significant upside if jumping cleaner.
Type: Progressive (p).


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6. SHADOW PADDY (IRE) – 6.5/10 p

A solid hurdler who enjoyed a productive 2025 campaign including a Listed success here at Limerick. Course form is a major positive.

Interesting chase recruit because:

Travels strongly

Handles this track

Ground ideal

Yard having a good season


The issue is whether he possesses the natural scope and jumping precision for chasing at this level first time up. The weak pace may help because it should allow him to settle and jump.

Not dismissed at all and likely overpriced versus some rivals.

Verdict: Dangerous if adapting well to fences immediately.
Type: Progressive hurdler (p).


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7. SOIR DE GARDE (FR) – 6.5/10 P

Potentially the most intriguing horse in the race. Chasing debut comes unusually late but his hurdles form contains useful pieces, notably chasing home El Fabiolo.

The Punchestown run was poor, though he had previously looked in good order before falling at Cork. Mullins clearly feels fences are worth trying now.

The concern is temperament/tactical setup:

Can race lazily

Risks conceding position in a slowly-run race

Chase debut in tactical company not ideal


But if taking naturally to fences, his latent ability gives him a serious chance.

Verdict: High upside but more speculative than stablemate.
Type: Promising chasing recruit (P).


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Pace & Tactical Angles

There is no guaranteed pace angle here. Expect either Shadow Paddy or Le Coq Hardi to sit closest to the speed. That tactical positioning could prove decisive.

Hold-up risks:

Soir De Garde

Mister Pink


Those two may require luck if the race becomes a sprint from the second-last.


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Strongest Contenders

LE COQ HARDI

OCASTLE DES MOTTES

MA JACKS HILL


Main Dangers

SOIR DE GARDE

SHADOW PADDY


Interesting Outsider

SHADOW PADDY — proven at Limerick and may take well to fences.



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Significant Trends & Stable Angles

Henry de Bromhead has won this race twice in the last decade.

Willie Mullins operates at a 38% strike-rate at Limerick since 2022/23.

Mullins also strikes at 28% with chasers at this trip range.


Those trainer stats reinforce the strength of the top of the market.


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Private Tissue

Le Coq Hardi — 2/1

Ocastle Des Mottes — 11/4

Ma Jacks Hill — 6/1

Soir De Garde — 13/2

Shadow Paddy — 8/1

Give Him A Chance — 16/1

Mister Pink — 25/1



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Summary

This looks likely to revolve around whether the established chase form of LE COQ HARDI proves too strong for a handful of potentially progressive chasing newcomers. In a tactical race, his proven ability to hold position and jump at this level is a major asset.

OCASTLE DES MOTTES has the strongest upside angle and is feared most if producing a cleaner round of jumping second run back. MA JACKS HILL appeals as the dark horse now sent over fences after shaping like a natural chasing type over hurdles and in points.


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ChatGPT Smart Plays

Win Bet

LE COQ HARDI
The safest and most solid profile in the race. Proven chase form, tactical suitability, and ideal class drop.

Saver

OCASTLE DES MOTTES
Likely improver from his comeback run and has the upside to surpass current ratings if his fencing sharpens.