Hugh McMahon Memorial Novice Chase (Grade 3)

Off time: 16:05 | Winning time: 5m 56.90s

Robin Des Foret²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 145| C| D

9/2

Course winner that has also won over this trip. Yard in better form in late March boasting a 26% strike rate in the last 14 days. Strong place claims at this level.

Form: 3312F3

Nick Lost⁹²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 136| C

6/1

Won over C&D in July on good ground in a four-runner contest under today's jockey. Disappointed when last seen in December finishing sixth of seven beaten 39L and others more convincing.

Form: 111236

Beyond The Law^h,v1¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Phillip Enright| T: M F Morris| OR: 133| C

14/1

Yet to win over fences but did run respectably in a handicap at Naas finishing sixth of 13 beaten 19L last month. Jumped left at times before falling at the ninth in the infamous four-miler at the Cheltenham festival. Worth another chance.

Form: F5526F

Burrows Saint^t²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Ruby Walsh| T: W P Mullins| OR: 137

6/5

Third in the Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown last season and made a belated chase debut at Gowran Park last month on seasonal bow before winning at the same venue delivering an impressive display earlier this month. More progress expected.

Form: 1203-41

Moonshine Bay^p1⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: P D Kennedy| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 140| D

9/2

Solid and consistent sort who has won one of his five starts over the larger obstacles in a beginners contest at Thurles in December. Beaten at a much higher level since and has added first-time cheekpieces to assist in this contest.

Form: 1414P4

Roaring Bull^b¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 138

10/1

14L winner of a nine runner handicap at Naas before a solid effort behind impressive winner A Plus Tard in the Close Brothers at the festival and rates as the type to carry on improving for this yard.

Form: 621416

Non-Runners

Moyhenna¹⁴

Weight: 11-1| Age: 7

T: D Hogan J: D G Hogan

The Conditional²¹

Weight: 11-0| Age: 7

T: M Hassett J: Sean Flanagan

Forecasts

Burrows Saint (6/5), Robin Des Foret (9/2), Moonshine Bay (9/2), Nick Lost (6/1), Roaring Bull (10/1), Moyhenna (10/1), Beyond The Law (14/1), The Conditional (20/1)

The two Willie Mullins-trained runners Burrows Saint and Robin Des Foret weave a conundrum in this event will both capable of mounting a sustained challenge but preference is for the improving MOONSHINE BAY who has been running well in Graded contests around the turn of the year. The Jessica Harrington-trained Milan gelding is still improving and can make his mark here. Roaring Bull and the progressive Moyhenna for Denis Hogan are worthy of consideration in a fascinating contest.