Ladbrokes Dublin Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 15:10 | Winning time: 4m 0.80s

Castlegrace Paddy³⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: A E Lynch| T: P A Fahy| OR: 155| D

9/1

3-5 over fences, including Grade 2 Hilly Way at Cork (2m½f, soft) last month before finishing 5½L fourth of seven behind Simply Ned/Footpad over this C&D at Christmas. Would be a surprise should he reverse form with winner.

Form: 5/115-14

Min⁵⁵

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

4/9

Won this race 12 months ago by 12L from Simply Ned before chasing home Altior in the Queen Mother at Cheltenham. Reappeared to take Grade 1 John Durkan (2m4f) at Punchestown and major player dropped in trip once again.

Form: D1224-1

Ordinary World³⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 152

12/1

Honest and likeable, though without a win in 12 chase starts since debut at Fairyhouse in 2016. Third behind Simply Ned at Christmas over C&D, would do very well to pick up similar honours in this line-up.

Form: 457-423

Saint Calvados⁵⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: G Sheehan| T: H Whittington| OR: 158| D

4/1

British raider made every yard on seasonal bow at Naas in November, reversing Arkle form with Footpad (fell when held) in doing so. Found out in the Tingle Creek next time as Altior won, his connections are confident of more to come. Player.

Form: 1114-13

Special Tiara³⁷

Age: 12| Weight: 11-10| J: R M Power| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 152| D

14/1

Front-running 2017 Champion Chaser, hasn't got his head in front in eight starts since (all Grade 1/2 races). Beaten 20L by Castlegrace Paddy in the Hilly Way at Cork last month and similar tale in Desert Orchid at Kempton, odds and age against him.

Form: F3P4-33

Non-Runners

Simply Ned³⁷

Weight: 11-10| Age: 12

T: N G Richards J: Mark Walsh

Forecasts

Min (4/9), Saint Calvados (4/1), Simply Ned (13/2), Castlegrace Paddy (9/1), Ordinary World (12/1), Special Tiara (14/1)

MIN was a Grade 1 winner on his reappearance in the John Durkan and, dropping in distance, this test is perfect for him. He had no problem dispatching old rival Simply Ned in this a year ago and, admirable as that veteran is, he looks vulnerable despite his gallant Christmas win over C&D. A bigger danger could be Saint Calvados, the second British raider. He won well at Naas on his reappearance and cannot be harshly judged having finished behind Altior and Un De Sceaux since in the Tingle Creek. His best days are in front of him but he may be hassled here by Special Tiara in front, and that isn't ideal. Castlegrace Paddy ran well last-time-out over C&D.