14:00 Galway

Thursday 1 August 2019

All14:0014:3515:1015:4516:2016:5517:3017:59

Guinness Beginners Chase

Off time: 14:00 | Winning time: 5m 35.4s

Dandy Mag⁷⁸¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: D J Mullins| T: W P Mullins

9/2

Half-brother to Vroum Vroum Mag, and showed hos best form in juvenile hurdles when third in a Grade 1 at Auteuil in June 2017. Absent since, but switch to fences and step up in trip ought to suit, and could be an exciting prospect.

Form: 102613/

Dorans River^t⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: K J Brouder⁽⁵⁾| T: S J Mahon

11/1

Useful if inconsistent hurdler, who was back to his best when winning over 2¾m at Ballinrobe nine days ago. Failed to complete in two chase starts last October, though, and looks up against it again here.

Form: 002-091

Early Doors¹³⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: J J Slevin| T: J P O'Brien

1/1

Improved with each start over hurdles last year, and ended up winning Martin Pipe Conditionals Handicap at Cheltenham in March (third in 2018). Best of these on hurdles form, and much respected now switching to fences.

Form: 930/521-

From Eden^b¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 124| BF

7/1

Won over hurdles at Ayr in April, and similar form over fences, finishing second on all three starts. Collared close home at Limerick last time, and while sure to win races, if pitched into deeper waters here.

Form: 14-0222

High Sparrow²¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Donagh Meyler| T: J P O'Brien

6/1

Point-to-point winner who ran respectably in competitive handicap hurdles last season, but form has levelled out in that sphere, and no surprise to see him switched to fences now. Will find easier opportunities than this.

Form: 23/3477-

Minella Times^t¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: N P Madden| T: H De Bromhead

8/1

Hurdle winner at Kilbeggan last term, and again showed his liking for that venue when second of 11 to Westland Row in a 2¾m maiden chase last month, leaving a poor chasing debut behind. Sets the standard of those with experience.

Form: 7283-92

The Mulcare Rover⁶³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: P E Corbett| T: Mrs D A Love| OR: 102

66/1

Front-runner who had a busy time in beginners' chases in May, making the frame three times. Form is only fair on balance, however, and needs his sights lowering if he's to win.

Form: P4-2823

Non-Runners

Rathnure Rebel¹³

Weight: 11-12| Age: 9

T: N Meade J: Sean Flanagan

Forecasts

Early Doors (1/1), Dandy Mag (9/2), High Sparrow (6/1), From Eden (7/1), Minella Times (8/1), Rathnure Rebel (8/1), Dorans River (11/1), The Mulcare Rover (66/1)

Early Doors was the pick of these over hurdles, and merits plenty of respect on his switch to fences, but preference is for DANDY MAG, himself a very useful hurdler, but with the pedigree and physique of one who should excel as a chaser, and a lengthy absence is no great concern given connections. Minella Times is the pick of those with experience and can take advantage should the principals fail to make a smooth transition.