17:00 Fairyhouse

Monday 17 April 2017

All14:4515:1515:5016:2517:0017:3518:1018:40

Boylesports Irish Grand National Chase (Grade A)

Off time: 17:01 | Winning time: 7m 47.2s

Lord Scoundrel¹⁶³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Ms L O'Neill⁽⁵⁾| T: G Elliott| OR: 156

33/1

Last year's Galway Plate winner, he hasn't been spotted since a fair third in the Jnwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal in November. Top-weight may see him struggling over this stamina-sapping journey.

Form: 51F230

Noble Endeavor³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 154

14/1

Was in cracking form to win the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and ran a rock-solid race again when third in a handicap at the Cheltenham Festival last month. Has the wily Davy Russell to assist here and looks a leading contender.

Form: 12F-P54

Clarcam^p,t¹⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Katie O'Farrell⁽⁷⁾| T: G Elliott| OR: 153

66/1

Tends to get plenty far back in amongst horses and his limitations have been exposed at Cheltenham and in the Topham at Aintree most recently. One of many for the trainer, will be a massive shock to see him pitching at the death.

Form: 252052

Our Duke⁶⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: R M Power| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 153

9/2

Lightly-raced seven-year-old won his first two starts over fences and ran a fine race when second to Disko at Leopardstown in February. Represents Gold Cup-winning trainer / jockey combination and appears progressive. This is a massive ask and he's probably going to be short in the betting all things considered.

Form: 121P3-

Tiger Roll^b,t³⁴^{(ex 6)}

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Donagh Meyler⁽³⁾| T: G Elliott| OR: 145

16/1

Winner of the four-miler at Cheltenham last month, he defied the stats by adding that race to his Triumph Hurdle win of 2014 and clearly relishes a good stamina test these days. Won the Munster National this season already, he should not be dismissed easily on current form.

Form: 221331

Foxrock^b,t³⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: D F O'Regan| T: T M Walsh| OR: 150

14/1

A classy chaser at best, he's been mopping up Hunter Chases at will this season and should not be found wanting for stamina. This is clearly tougher than he's become accustomed to lately but he has an able partner in Denis O'Regan to assure a patient ride amid the helter-skelter of this contest.

Form: 343-552

Roi Des Francs⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: B T O'Connell| T: G Elliott| OR: 150

50/1

This will be a seventh run of the calendar year already, which must be a concern. Ran a huge race at Aintree in the English National for a long way before fading late on. It will surely require a herculean effort to come here and repeat it so quickly, though he has the stamina for a test like this.

Form: 21166-3

The Game Changer^t¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: M P Fogarty| T: G Elliott| OR: 149

66/1

A talented chaser with a commendable six wins from 19 runs over the larger obstacles, he represents a top trainer and has a fine young rider in his corner. This will be the first time he has ventured beyond 3m however, and that ranks as a mighty concern give the attritional nature of this contest.

Form: 24P0PP

Alpha Des Obeaux^h³³

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: D J Mullins| T: M F Morris| OR: 147

16/1

Winner of two from six starts over fences, ran a respectable race behind Might Bite in the RSA at Cheltenham last month. Should have the stamina for this test and represents last season's winning trainer.

Form: 113P48

Wounded Warrior⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: J M Moore| T: N Meade| OR: 147

50/1

Efforts this season aren't exactly inspiring, has been pulled up in two most recently outings - here in the Bobbyjo Chase and in the Aintree National when well beaten off nine days ago. All things considered it would require a big effort to see him bounce back and win this now.

Form: 13/226-4

Minella Foru⁷⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-11| J: B J Geraghty| T: E P Harty| OR: 146

14/1

Paddy Power Chase winner in 2015, returned from more than a year off with fair run in Grade Three hurdles contest at Naas in February. Will have to produce a career-best on first chase run in 15 months if he's going to snare this prize.

Form: 565/121-

Thunder And Roses^p,t⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-11| J: J J Slevin⁽⁵⁾| T: M F Morris| OR: 146

25/1

Winner of this contest in 2015, he was pulled up last year. Has run some eye-catching races this term including when runner-up to Pleasant Company in the Bobbyjo Chase and with less weight to shoulder now isn't to be overlooked. Was potentially running a nice race at Aintree nine days ago when his chance was scuppered by a loose horse. Claimer takes useful weight off.

Form: 5P-5P02

Abolitionist³⁶^{(ex 8)}

Age: 9| Weight: 10-10| J: Rachael Blackmore⁽³⁾| T: Miss Ellmarie Holden| OR: 137

14/1

Has returned from a long layoff and looked as good as ever for this new yard. Captured the Leinster National at Naas over 3m last month, showing a pleasing resolution to do so. Sound jumper and could have a big say in this.

Form: 1622-22

Fletchers Flyer^t⁵⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 10-10| J: N D Fehily| T: H Fry| OR: 145

10/1

A leading British raider for this contest, he showcased his love for a searching stamina test at Punchestown a year ago when landing a handicap over 3m6f in good style. He's rated 7lb higher now and his Ascot run in the Reynoldstown Novices' Chase over 3m in February was a fine prep.

Form: 2/P232-1

Shutthefrontdoor^p,t¹⁰⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 10-9| J: Mark Walsh| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 144

28/1

Carries 4lb less than when winning this contest under Barry Geraghty in 2014, though that rider looks elsewhere now. Five runs over the previous 12 months or so haven't done much to inspire confidence that he'll repeat his past heroics in this race and so others would make more appeal.

Form: 5/3P9-87

Measureofmydreams⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-8| J: D Robinson⁽⁵⁾| T: N Meade| OR: 143

33/1

Hasn't been at his best in three starts this year, including when unseating rider at halfway in the Aintree version of this nine days ago. Fair to say he hasn't scaled the heights since switching to this yard, but isn't completely dismissed just yet.

Form: 0113F0-

Raz De Maree⁹

Age: 12| Weight: 10-8| J: G N Fox| T: G P Cromwell| OR: 143

25/1

Ran a huge race to push Native River hard in the Welsh National at Chepstow in December, he had a sound prep over hurdles before going to Aintree for their National nine days ago. Hampered and unseated his rider early in the contest, so could conceivably be ready to go now though record of 12-year-old's in this race (no winner since 1978) isn't a boost to confidence.

Form: 1722UP

Haymount³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 10-7| J: Ruby Walsh| T: W P Mullins| OR: 142

7/1

Just the one win so far over fences, coming over 2m4f at Punchestown in November. Ran well behind Tiger Roll at Cheltenham last month, so stamina isn't a problem. Trainer has never won this race, surprisingly, and fires three at the prize now with Walsh choosing to partner this contender.

Form: 2314-51

Stellar Notion⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-7| J: A E Lynch| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 142

40/1

Run some good races since joining this yard, notably behind Tiger Roll in the Munster National in the autumn and pair of big-field handicaps at Leopardstown since. May find these fences more to his liking than those unique obstacles he encountered at Aintree just over a week ago. Represents another powerful trainer that has yet to snare this most sought after prize.

Form: P7-1032

Rogue Angel^b,t⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-6| J: B J Foley⁽⁷⁾| T: M F Morris| OR: 141

33/1

Won this contest in dramatic style 12 months ago though has mostly struggled to replicate that type of form since. Possibly ran best race since for a long way in the Aintree National nine days ago before fading after the third last. This is a sharp enough turnaround but a replication of that effort would make him interesting.

Form: 41-0800

Arbre De Vie^h1³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 140

14/1

Yet to win in four starts over fences, which is a concern, though was running a big race in the four-miler at Cheltenham last month when a bit unfortunate to stumble and lose his rider. From the champions trainer's yard and has excellent jockey to assist but lack of experience in this sphere is a drawback.

Form: 022UB2-

Dedigout^t³¹

Age: 11| Weight: 10-5| J: C Brassil⁽⁵⁾| T: G Elliott| OR: 140

66/1

A much more accomplished hurdler than he's been a chaser to this point in his career, he was beaten a long way behind Roi Des Francs at Down Royal last month and despite a significant pull at the weights, that effort tempers any enthusiasm.

Form: 111/33-4

General Principle¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 10-5| J: B J Cooper| T: G Elliott| OR: 140

16/1

Didn't need to improve in winning two starts last month over fences, latest over 3m at Limerick. Having his seventh outing of this year, he could have more to offer and it is of course to be noted that from a venerable battalion of Gigginstown contenders, Bryan Cooper has selected this one.

Form: 0/126-32

Bonny Kate³⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 10-4| J: Sean Flanagan| T: N Meade| OR: 139

20/1

Likable mare was sent off favourite for this 12 months ago, though didn't seem to relish it and was pulled up. She's once again been consistent this term, though she was pulled up last time out at Naas in March. Off a 5lb lower mark this year, she's likely to be a much more workable price and might hold some each-way claims.

Form: 111P-63

First Lieutenant^p³³

Age: 12| Weight: 10-3| J: A Ring⁽³⁾| T: M F Morris| OR: 138

50/1

A high-class Grade One chaser in his pomp, time is against him now at 12-years-old. His recent efforts all suggest that he will struggle amongst a field as competitive as this and it would take a dramatic turnaround and a remarkable feat of training from Mouse Morris to see him figuring in the finish.

Form: 7236U0

Sambremont³⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 10-3| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 138

33/1

Jumping is something of a concern and has failed to complete in three of four most recent starts. The other run saw him finish second over this sort of trip in a Punchestown Grand National Trial in February. Judged on that effort, he'd have to be given some place claims. Jumping will likely settle his fate one way or another.

Form: BP2PPP-

Bless The Wings^p³³

Age: 12| Weight: 10-2| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 137

12/1

Runner-up in this contest 12 months ago, he looked booked for the win for a long time under a canny ride from Ruby Walsh before losing out in a head bobber. Doing just fine since that run, he's sneaked in bottom of the weights for this and finished second to subsequent Aintree runner-up Causes Of Causes in the Cross Country at Cheltenham last month. Jockey booking is positive, but has to deny the age statisticians to win at 12.

Form: 820822

Oscar Knight¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-1| J: M A Enright| T: T Mullins| OR: 136

12/1

Ran a fine third to Noble Endeavor in the Paddy Power at Leopardstown over Christmas and warmed up for this race with a pleasing hurdles spin at Navan last month. Jumping at this track in the past has been questionable and will require career-best to win if getting in (First Reserve).

Form: 525-171

Non-Runners

Tell Us More³¹

Weight: 10-13| Age: 8

T: G Elliott J: C D Meehan

Baie Des Iles⁵¹

Weight: 10-10| Age: 6

T: R O'Sullivan J: Ms K Walsh

Double Seven²⁹

Weight: 10-7| Age: 11

T: M Brassil J: Non Runner

Mystical Knight⁵¹

Weight: 10-1| Age: 8

T: Miss R Curtis J: Reserve 2

Another Hero³²

Weight: 10-1| Age: 8

T: J & A O'Neill J: Reserve 3

Forecasts

Our Duke (9/2), Haymount (7/1), Fletchers Flyer (10/1), Bless The Wings (12/1), Oscar Knight (12/1), Abolitionist (14/1), Noble Endeavor (14/1), Arbre De Vie (14/1), Foxrock (14/1), Minella Foru (14/1), General Principle (16/1), Alpha Des Obeaux (16/1), Tiger Roll (16/1), Bonny Kate (20/1), Thunder And Roses (25/1), Mystical Knight (25/1), Baie Des Iles (25/1), Another Hero (25/1), Double Seven (25/1), Raz De Maree (25/1), Shutthefrontdoor (28/1), Measureofmydreams (33/1), Lord Scoundrel (33/1), Rogue Angel (33/1), Sambremont (33/1), Stellar Notion (40/1), First Lieutenant (50/1), Tell Us More (50/1), Wounded Warrior (50/1), Roi Des Francs (50/1), Clarcam (66/1), The Game Changer (66/1), Dedigout (66/1)

Our Duke appears to be a progressive chaser and his trainer and jockey could scarcely be in more confident mood since last month's Cheltenham heroics. His second behind Disko last time out was a solid run and the seven-year-old isn't dismissed easily but, at the prices, it might be worth looking elsewhere in the pursuit of value. Gordon Elliott has yet to win this contest but with the chance to cement his grip on a first trainers' title, he accounts for one third of the field, while Gigginstown will be the commentators nightmare with 14 runners. Ordering their contenders is quite a task in itself. Noble Endeavor landed a big handicap at Christmas and his Cheltenham effort last month bodes well for this, with Davy Russell a most useful accompaniment in the saddle. Last year's runner-up Bless The Wings is respected from the foot of the weights but will have to defy a 39-year age trend to win. Fletchers Flyer is much-respected for the raiding team from Britain while a big run from former winner Thunder And Roses is expected but the vote goes to the Elliott-trained TIGER ROLL after his fine Cheltenham success last month. A former Triumph Hurdle winner, he had the statisticians clamouring with that win and can do so now again to put his trainer on the brink of a landmark title success. Haymount, the mount of Ruby Walsh, looks the pick of the Closutton contenders as the champion trainer bids to retain some grip on his crown by winning this for the first time.