John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 14:07 | Winning time: 5m 34.30s

A Toi Phil^t²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Keith Donoghue| T: G Elliott| OR: 156| C| D

20/1

Four-time Grade 2 winner but never better than fourth in a Grade 1 and will find better opportunities than this to open his account at the highest level, though he does have his conditions here.

Form: 4-45142

Carlingford Lough^t³⁶

Age: 11| Weight: 11-10| J: Mark Walsh| T: J E Kiely| OR: 157| C| D

25/1

Five-time Grade 1 winner but hasn't threatened in his last four starts and may be a bit old for this level of competition now.

Form: 4/144-7U

Djakadam²²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 167| CD

11/8

Has won this the last two years but is yet to face an opponent of Sizing John's caliber in either renewal. Beaten a short head by that rival here in April but had been further behind at Cheltenham and needs to exploit the drop in trip.

Form: 3/21342-

Shaneshill⁷¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Mr P W Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 158| C| D

20/1

Good quality Graded performer on his day, but has plenty to find with the leading contenders on ratings, and has never won a Grade 1 over obstacles, including some easier races than this.

Form: 0-13224

Sizing John²²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: R M Power| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 168| C| D

5/4

Last season's dominant staying chaser in Britain and Ireland, particularly in the second half of the season when completing at treble of Gold Cups (Irish, Cheltenham and Punchestown) at this course in April. Off since but holds major claims.

Form: 321111-

Sub Lieutenant^t³⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: D N Russell| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 161| D

7/1

Finished behind both Sizing John and Djakadam last season, the latter in this race. Neither of his two performances so far this campaign have been anything special and he is probably playing for third at best.

Form: 3222-35

Forecasts

Sizing John (5/4), Djakadam (11/8), Sub Lieutenant (7/1), A Toi Phil (20/1), Shaneshill (20/1), Carlingford Lough (25/1)

Having won this the last two years Djakadam holds obvious claims, but preference is for last season's leading staying chaser SIZING JOHN. Though the drop in trip is a very minor concern (he has been rerouted from the Betfair Chase), he was almost faultless over longer distances last season and has also won graded races over this trip, as well as going well fresh (has been off since Punchestown Gold Cup). Prominent in the betting for the King George and to win a second Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, he can get his campaign underway with a win here. A Toi Phil has always come up short at this level but will enjoy conditions and could be third best.