McSweeney Arms Hotel An Riocht Chase (Grade 3)

Off time: 19:10 | Winning time: 5m 27.10s

Ballycasey²⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 11-10| J: Ruby Walsh| T: W P Mullins

9/4

Very useful chaser who has been enjoying a renaissance of late. No match for Fox Norton at Punchestown last time, but there is nothing of that one's calibre in this field. Has to concede weight all round, which tempers enthusiasm.

Form: 513115-

Devils Bride^p,t¹⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-2| J: B J Cooper| T: H De Bromhead

14/1

Formerly a very useful handicap chaser, but has struggled in recent outings and this is quite hot company in which to launch a comeback attempt. Wears cheekpieces for the first time.

Form: 1U395F-

Mr Diablo^t¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: L P Dempsey| T: J P Dempsey

20/1

Fair handicap chaser, but would be getting plenty of weight off these in a handicap and looks to be biting off more than he can chew.

Form: 23710B-

Rock The World^t²⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Mark Walsh| T: Mrs J Harrington

5/1

Finished one place and over 3L in front of Ballycasey at Punchestown last time and is 8lb better off. Best form is over the minimum trip, so he is not guaranteed to confirm the placings even on these terms.

Form: 208014-

Woodland Opera^t¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: R M Power| T: Mrs J Harrington

10/11

Winning hurdler, but has looked better over fences, winning a beginners' chase at Fairyhouse before justifying heavy support in a valuable novices' handicap chase at Punchestown. Need to improve again to win this, but is on a steep upward curve for a stable enjoying a tremendous time and may be up to the task.

Form: 154311-

Non-Runners

Diamond King¹⁷

Weight: 10-13| Age: 9

T: G Elliott J: D N Russell

Forecasts

Woodland Opera (10/11), Ballycasey (9/4), Rock The World (5/1), Diamond King (8/1), Devils Bride (14/1), Mr Diablo (20/1)

An intriguing chase featuring some high-class performers. Rock The World is favoured by the race conditions, but this longer trip will test his suspect stamina and it may pay to look elsewhere. Diamond King has become disappointing and as Ballycasey has to concede weight all round, the suggestion is WOODLAND OPERA, who is upwardly mobile and can cope with this rise in class.