Ryanair Gold Cup Novice Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 16:25 | Winning time: 5m 3.60s

Cubomania^t²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 142| D

14/1

Has progressed well over fences since the summer winning five races including running away to a 22L victory in a Thurles Listed novice contest last month beating a couple of higher rated rivals. Has had a busy season which may work against him here.

Form: F225P1

Mengli Khan^t¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 154| C

10/3

Made a winning start over fences in a Beginners' Chase at Punchestown (2m, good) in November and has been running well in defeat at the highest level in festivals at Leopardstown, Cheltenham and Aintree. Has the form to make a bold bid.

Form: 3-14333

Real Steel³⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 151| C

2/1

Four-race chaser who has won on a couple of occasions over the larger obstacles. Sixth of 10 well held in the JLT at the Cheltenham festival last month. Could run a big race if jumping fluently, but ultimately needs a couple to falter.

Form: P4-F116

Voix Du Reve^h³⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Ruby Walsh| T: W P Mullins| OR: 151| D

9/4

Front-runner who impressed when beating Hardline by 7L in a Grade 2 Punchestown contest in November, but the Voix Du Nord geldings jumping has gone to pieces in three starts since. May find one or two better suited to today's conditions.

Form: 3113FU

Winter Escape⁷⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Mark Walsh| T: A A Howard| OR: 150| D

4/1

Chasing career has transformed since his move to current yard but the step in to Grade 1 level left many questions to be answered finishing well beaten at Leopardstown in February, beaten 9½L behind La Bague Au Roi. Merits plenty of respect.

Form: 3-21115

Forecasts

Real Steel (2/1), Voix Du Reve (9/4), Mengli Khan (10/3), Winter Escape (4/1), Cubomania (14/1)

Trainer Willie Mullins has run Outlander (2016), Yorkhill (2017) and Invitation Only (2018) to hit the frame in this contest coming straight from the JLT at the festival and the handlers pair, Real Steel - sixth of 10 - and Voix Du Reve - unseated three out - may have to suffer the same fate here behind MENGLI KHAN. The Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old has produced a number of solid efforts in Grade 1 company behind the likes of Le Richebourg, Defi Du Seuil and Kalashnikov this term. The step in to Grade 1 company by Winter Escape wasn't encouraging at Leopardstown in February, while Cubomania may find it tough going.