Buck House Novice Chase (Grade 3)

Off time: 15:40 | Winning time: 4m 39.2s

A Rated⁴⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Mr B O'Neill| T: L Kenny| OR: 136

20/1

Unseated at the first on chase bow at Galway in August but not looked back in recording impressive successes at Kilbeggan (2m4f, good) and Wexford (2m, good) since. This is tougher and will need to pull out plenty more.

Form: 443-U11

Death Duty¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott

4/9

High-class novice hurdler last season, won a shade cosily on chase bow at Tipperary (2m7f, soft) this month, having made an error at the final obstacle. Drops in trip but is very much the one to beat.

Form: 111U3-1

Three Wise Men³³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: Danny Mullins| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 135| D

16/1

In good form lately, winning 2m2f beginners' chase at Galway in August and solid second over 2m4f (heavy) at Listowel in novice company next time out. This is more demanding.

Form: 230-F12

Woodland Opera^t¹⁵⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: R M Power| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 150| BF| C

9/2

Smart chase with two wins from six starts, including valuable handicap over 2m5f here in the spring. Fell at Killarney in May when last spotted, but has credentials to lay down a challenge on return.

Form: 54311-F

Tout Est Permis¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-6| J: M A Enright| T: M F Morris| D

7/1

Modest over timber last year but made an impressive start to chasing career when scoring at Gowran Park (2m2f, soft to heavy) 19 days ago, receives plenty of weight with allowance here and not discounted on that basis.

Form: 54215-1

Forecasts

Death Duty (4/9), Woodland Opera (9/2), Tout Est Permis (7/1), Three Wise Men (16/1), A Rated (20/1)

DEATH DUTY was far from faultless in his jumping on chase bow at Tipperary this month but class was the order of the day and it got him through. He may improve his fencing for that experience and the drop in trip here is not a major concern given he has plenty pace. He can make it two from two and confirm his promise in this sphere. Despite falling on his last start, Woodland Opera is the one expected to take advantage if the likely favourite encounters any issues, with his win here in April representing solid form. Tout Est Permis made a striking chase bow recently and, with allowances, the four-year-old has his chance.