13:10 Leopardstown

Friday 27 December 2019

All12:0512:3513:1013:4514:2014:5515:30

Paddy's Rewards Club 'Loyalty's Dead, Live For Rewards' Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 13:10 | Winning time: 4m 8.3s

A Plus Tard⁴⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 160| BF

4/1

Came to prominence when landing the Listed Close Brothers Novices' handicap at Cheltenham in March. Creditable second of 5 to Ballyoisin in Fortria Chase at Navan on return, but needs to take a step up to win at this level.

Form: 2121-32

Cadmium²⁶⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Brian Hayes| T: W P Mullins| OR: 162| D

14/1

Jumped well and better than ever when winning Topham Trophy at Aintree in April. Beaten in a Grade 2 prior to that, and he clearly needs to find a bit more improvement to break through at the top level.

Form: 344121-

Chacun Pour Soi²³⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 169| D

8/15

Could scarcely have been more impressive than when scoring on stable debut at Naas, and made step up to Grade 1 level by beating Defi du Seuil at Punchestown in May. A hugely exciting prospect.

Form: 1253/1-1

Great Field¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: J S McGarvey| T: W P Mullins| OR: 160| CD

16/1

Brilliant front runner on his day, but can take a chance at his fences, and has failed to complete on three of his last four starts as a result. Very much yard's second/third string here.

Form: 11/FF-4U

Hardline¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 161| D

13/2

Smart form as a novice last season, and looked better than ever when chasing home Min in the John Durkan at Punchestown earlier in the month, albeit slightly flattered by his proximity. Solid place claims here.

Form: 137-232

Jetz^p²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: B J Geraghty| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 145| D

28/1

Useful handicapper over fences, but his limitations are well exposed, and he took a heavy fall at Navan last time. Out of his depth in this company.

Form: U2-553F

Ordinary World⁹⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Sean Flanagan| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 147

33/1

Often flatters to deceive, but was a creditable third in this contest last year. May have found an easy win at Ballinrobe last time helping his confidence, but will do well to reprise his role from 12 months ago.

Form: 283-621

Simply Ned⁴⁰

Age: 12| Weight: 11-12| J: Mark Walsh| T: N G Richards| OR: 158| CD

7/1

Veteran who has won this race for the past two years, and not far short of his best when third to Defi du Seuil at Cheltenham last month. Place claims again, but the hat-trick may be asking too much.

Form: 2/421-43

Forecasts

Chacun Pour Soi (8/15), A Plus Tard (4/1), Hardline (13/2), Simply Ned (7/1), Cadmium (14/1), Great Field (16/1), Jetz (28/1), Ordinary World (33/1)

His win over Defi du Seuil at Punchestown suggests that CHACUN POUR SOI could be an exceptional talent, and he will be very hard to beat here on various lines through the runner-up. Hardline, A Plus Tard and Simply Ned are taken to follow him home, and any mistakes from the favourite could let the others in, such are the fine margins at this level, amply demonstrated in recent renewals.