Irish Daily Star Chase (Grade 3)

Off time: 16:16 | Winning time: 6m 41.80s

Jett^p¹¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: R M Power| T: Mrs J Harrington

22/1

Likable sort but Grade Two win has made life hard since under penalty and may have similar struggles here giving weight to higher rated rivals. Never raced beyond 2m5f before.

Form: 31-6227

Some Neck^b³⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| C

12/1

Grade 2 winning novice (2m6½f) in November but fell before halfway next in the Thyestes and rather mixed bag since including when pulled up latest. Penalty makes life difficult.

Form: 1F6-52P

Tout Est Permis¹⁷⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Mark Walsh| T: N Meade

11/4

Had a fine campaign last season winning three on the spin including a 2m4f Thurles Grade Two before struggling with a big weight in the Irish National. Giving weight to higher rated rivals but only six so could improve further.

Form: 8/71118-

Alpha Des Obeaux^b,t²³⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| C

10/3

Grand old campaigner over hurdles and fences won a Listed event and was twice placed in Graded company last season. Never won first time out but seems to go well fresh and has to be respected.

Form: 521422-

Balko Des Flos¹⁹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| C

5/4

2018 Ryanair Chase winner a disappointment last season in a winless campaign but his third behind Kemboy and Clan Des Obeaux and ahead of Bristol De Mai at Aintree when last seen is still hot form and he has to be considered the one to beat here.

Form: 4/43973-

Dounikos¹⁷⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: L P Dempsey| T: G Elliott| C

14/1

Rather hit and miss sort who won a 3m4½f National Trial last season but failed to complete in the real thing and the Irish equivalent. Others appeal more.

Form: 07F1PP-

Forecasts

Balko Des Flos (5/4), Tout Est Permis (11/4), Alpha Des Obeaux (10/3), Some Neck (12/1), Dounikos (14/1), Jett (22/1)

Henry De Bromhead won this race with Sub Lieutenant a year ago and in the classy BALKO DES FLOS he has the standout competitor this time around and hopefully the former Ryanair winner can make amends for a winless 2018/19 season here. Progressive sort Tout Est Permis may develop into a legitimate Grade One performer this season and he is respected and preferred to Alpha Des Obeaux in what could prove a Gigginstown benefit.