French Village Catering Rated Novice Chase

Off time: 19:35 | Winning time: 4m 53.4s

Ballela Boy^b1³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 122| BF| C

4/1

Won really well at Thurles two starts back before struggling in a handicap at Limerick (2m3½f, heavy) last time. Interesting to see how he fares on this better ground for top yard. Blinkers on first time.

Form: U2241P-

Lean And Keen²⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: A E Lynch| T: S Byrne| OR: 123

12/1

Been out of form for some time under all codes and jumping errors have crept in over fences. Capable on a going day but needs to do much better.

Form: F337UF-

Nevada Rose³³⁶

Age: 11| Weight: 11-3| J: Mr N Gault⁽⁷⁾| T: S Millar| OR: 80

50/1

An 18 race maiden and has been beaten a very long way on two starts over fences so far. Likely to find this tough going once again and handicaps will be a better option after this.

Form: 03UP/58-

Oathkeeper²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: Mark Walsh| T: J P O'Brien| D

11/8

Classy hurdler at his peak but his efforts over fences to date have been disappointing. Better show last time when third at Ballinrobe (2m1f, heavy) but was still beaten 20L. Needs to do more but more than capable when it clicks.

Form: 6FP69-3

Round Tower^h,t¹⁸¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-3| J: Donagh Meyler| T: K Thornton| OR: 117| C

7/1

Nine race maiden over fences and hasn't looked like winning an event of this type. Ability is there but may find a couple too good once more.

Form: P06057-

Snugsborough Benny²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: D F O'Regan| T: L P Cusack| OR: 123| D

9/4

Can probably be marked up for recent sixth at Ballinrobe (2m3½f, heavy) when encountering ground he's not keen on. Conditions today much more to his liking and dangerous to dismiss.

Form: 10374-6

Forecasts

Oathkeeper (11/8), Snugsborough Benny (9/4), Ballela Boy (4/1), Round Tower (7/1), Lean And Keen (12/1), Nevada Rose (50/1)

Lean and Keen is capable at this level but needs to jump better. Snugborough Benny should be much more at home on this sounder surface and is feared. Oathkeeper has the raw ability to win this. The Shortlist is headed by BALLELA BOY who struggled in a handicap last time but could easily bounce back here on this better surface and notch another win.