Paddy's Rewards Club 'Sugar Paddy' Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 13:15 | Winning time: 4m 2.5s

Ballyoisin⁴⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: B J Geraghty| T: E Bolger| OR: 162| D

11/4

Progressive and aggressive chaser, will attempt to make every post a winning one. Did so in great style in Grade 2 Fortria Chase (2m, good) at Navan last month. Interesting contender and one to take seriously.

Form: F8-1111

Castlegrace Paddy¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: D N Russell| T: P A Fahy| OR: 157| D

8/1

3-4 over fences, including Grade 2 Hilly Way at Cork (2m½f, soft) last month. Finished 30L behind Footpad in sole defat at Punchestown in April however and hard to see form reversed with that rival.

Form: 15/115-1

Doctor Phoenix^p,t¹⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 155| D

33/1

Hold-up performer has done well for connections, with five chase wins, though often just shy at this level. 16L second of eight behind Castlegrace Paddy in Hilly Way at Cork latest, making too many errors at the obstacles.

Form: 12F5-52

Footpad⁴⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Ruby Walsh| T: W P Mullins| OR: 166| BF| CD

1/1

Carried all before him as a novice last season, including the Arkle at Cheltenham and two C&D wins here. Was held on reappearance at Naas last month when tipping up at the last, should bounce right back, with connections bullish on his chances.

Form: 11111-F

Great Field¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: J S McGarvey| T: W P Mullins| OR: 164| BF| CD

5/1

Tearaway frontrunner had won all five chase starts prior to early exit in the Hilly Way Chase (2m½f, soft) at Cork last month (won by Castlegrace Paddy). Strong chance of avenging that defeat with a clear round here.

Form: 1111/1-F

Ordinary World⁴⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 150

25/1

Honest and likeable, though without a win in 11 chase starts since debut at Fairyhouse in 2016. Would do well to pick up minor honours in this line-up.

Form: 3457-42

Simply Ned³⁹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-12| J: Mark Walsh| T: N G Richards| OR: 158| CD

16/1

Last year's winner, deservedly getting the race in the steward's room after being interfered with by Min in a driving finish. Good second behind Sceau Royal in Grade 2 Shloer Chase at Cheltenham last month, can run well again but hard to see repeat.

Form: 2412-42

Forecasts

Footpad (1/1), Ballyoisin (11/4), Great Field (5/1), Castlegrace Paddy (8/1), Simply Ned (16/1), Ordinary World (25/1), Doctor Phoenix (33/1)

This promises to be fast and furious with both Great Field and Ballyoisin marked present. Both are improving and exciting prospects. Preference is for the first-named, who was unbeaten over fences prior to an early tumble at Cork last time, though Enda Bolger's charge is also certain to run a big race. The verdict however is with last season's outstanding novice chaser, FOOTPAD, which is fully expected to leave last month's Naas disappointment behind. Ruby Walsh's mount may have the race set up for him by the other pair. Last year's winner Simply Ned could take home more place money for connections.