Ryanair Novice Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 18:41 | Winning time: 4m 14.20s

Castlegrace Paddy³³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: A E Lynch| T: P A Fahy| OR: 150| D

9/1

Much improved to land two chases at Fairyhouse and Thurles this season, with his solid jumping a key asset in those victories. Deserves a crack at a big prize and although plenty to find with Footpad at these weights, should give another good show.

Form: 2415-11

Footpad⁴⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: D A Jacob| T: W P Mullins| OR: 166| D

2/5

Has carried all before him this season, his clean jumping style a joy to watch, and he simply powered away from his rivals in the Grade 1 Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival last time. Has had time to get over that, and once again, is the one to beat.

Form: 43-1111

Optimus Prime^t⁹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: N D Fehily| T: D Skelton| OR: 145| D

25/1

Winner of his last three chases and has always looked the sort to make up into a useful chaser, but made hard work of a relatively easy task at Leicester last time, and any further rain would be against him. Needs much more here.

Form: 6-24111

Petit Mouchoir¹²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: D N Russell| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 157| BF| CD

4/1

Often gets a bit keen before his races, but it doesn't stop him. Well beaten off by Footpad in the Arkle and then a bit below par when second (at odds-on) at Aintree. An error-free round would help his chance, but even so, has enough on his plate.

Form: 13-1232

Saturnas^t1²⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 143| D

20/1

Took advantage of De Plotting Shed's reluctance to win by defeating him at Fairyhouse two starts back but was firmly put in his place back there in a Grade 1 last time. Drop back in trip may help but minor places looks the best he can hope for.

Form: 210-218

Asthuria^h⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: D J Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 135| BF| CD

20/1

Didn't seem to quite get home in a Grade 3 Mares chase at Fairyhouse last time after looking the winner, so this drop back to 2m will help, but that form is some way short of what's required here.

Form: 1-12122

Non-Runners

Calino D'Airy¹⁴

Weight: 11-10| Age: 6

T: H De Bromhead J: Sean Flanagan

Forecasts

Footpad (2/5), Petit Mouchoir (4/1), Castlegrace Paddy (9/1), Asthuria (20/1), Saturnas (20/1), Optimus Prime (25/1), Calino D'Airy (33/1)

FOOTPAD has barely put a foot wrong this season and any worries that Cheltenham might find him out in the Arkle were easily brushed aside. As others made mistakes, or simply went off too quickly, he simply did his own thing and was far too good for them. He can finish his season off with another win. Petit Mouchoir , behind Footpad at Cheltenham, would look the obvious one for second but he can make mistakes, and those looking for the forecast can look at both the sound-jumping Castlegrace Paddy and, at a likely bigger price, Calino D'Airy.