Corinthian For Special Occasions Novice Chase

Off time: 19:45 | Winning time: 4m 14.80s

Or Jaune De Somoza²²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 137| D

11/4

Built on promise of first two chases to beat Stowaway Forever in a driving finish latest at Fairyhouse. Not sure he will be able to beat that rival again though with his penalty but a useful recruit to the game.

Form: 50/3361-

Farclas^t⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott

8/11

Won 2018 Triumph Hurdle but struggled last season in Open company. Still a very young horse however and perhaps his future will be over fences after impressing on chase bow at Down Royal latest despite a couple of errors; big chance.

Form: 6F55P-1

Banquet Hill^t⁷⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: T N Brett⁽⁷⁾| T: J P Ryan

66/1

Unplaced over hurdles and 92 rating gives him a mountain to climb here even if he jumps well first time over fences.

Form: 44U0/09-

St Lawrence Gap¹⁴⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Donagh Meyler| T: E Doyle| D

14/1

Solid 123-rated handicap hurdler, winner of three of his 15 starts over timber. Not seen since December and probably best watched on chasing debut unless market suggests otherwise.

Form: 72/2599-

Stowaway Forever^b¹³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: L P Dempsey| T: J P Dempsey| OR: 127

4/1

24-race maiden but placed eight times over fences and narrowly beaten by Or Jaune De Somoza before falling latest. Certainly capable of a bold bid and sooner or later one will go in off the crossbar.

Form: 23B22-F

Forecasts

Farclas (8/11), Or Jaune De Somoza (11/4), Stowaway Forever (4/1), St Lawrence Gap (14/1), Banquet Hill (66/1)

It was encouraging to see that FARCLAS still retains his zest for racing over fences last time and maybe chasing will now be the making of him. Gordon Elliott has another rather illustrious stablemate who won the Triumph early in his career before excelling over fences; there will never be another Tiger Roll but this can be another step up the ladder for this novice. Perhaps fellow Gigginstown novice Or Jaune De Somoza will be the biggest threat although weighted to finish behind Stowaway Forever given that rival remains a maiden and fell last time.