Killiney Novice Chase (Grade 3)

Off time: 13:05 | Winning time: 5m 25.8s

Carefully Selected⁴³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| D

4/7

Had some good form last season at Grade One level over hurdles. He made his chase debut at Fairyhouse (2m5f) in November where he scored in an 18-runner field by 3¾L, justifying going off as the 4/7 favourite; leading chance.

Form: 123/1-31

City Island^t¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: Mr D O'Connor| T: M Brassil| C

4/1

Confirmed himself one of the best novice hurdlers around when landing the Ballymore Hurdle at Cheltenham last season; did not particularly enjoy his first outing over fences in December but that experience would have done him good; possibilities.

Form: D111-6P

Dallas Des Pictons⁷⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| CD

14/1

Solid and consistent 148-rated hurdler. Won on chasing debut in a Gowran Park beginners contest over 2m2f in October on soft ground before finding things tougher in Grade 3 event at Cork in November; can improve and not easily discounted.

Form: 1120-15

Halsafari¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: Brian Hayes| T: M J Bowe| OR: 123| D

66/1

Put some poor early chase experiences behind him when winning a novice handicap chase at Limerick in December; this looks much tough but should give a good account of himself with that confidence boosting win under his belt.

Form: 8-04P51

Lord Schnitzel^p,t¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: R M Power| T: M J Smith

16/1

Remains a maiden after seven starts. Has hit the frame on two of his outings this season, including on penultimate start at Fairyhouse (2m5f) when he was second of 18. Needs to improve to record his first success.

Form: 289-323

Speak Easy⁶¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: Mark Walsh| T: J P O'Brien

6/1

Finished third of 14 of his opening start over fences at Fairyhouse (2m5f) where he was 8¼L off the winner. His sole success came in a maiden hurdle. Will need to improve in order to be in the mix at this level.

Form: 11532/3

Forecasts

Carefully Selected (4/7), City Island (4/1), Speak Easy (6/1), Dallas Des Pictons (14/1), Lord Schnitzel (16/1), Halsafari (66/1)

CAREFULLY SELECTED looks to have a good chance to follow up his win at Fairyhouse in November before tackling more competitive contests later in the year.. He won that contest despite not jumping particularly well and looking as though he needed the run. Expect him to be fitter here. The main danger could come from City Island who was a classy hurdler. He needs to put a bad experience on his chase debut behind him but if he has learned from that experience he should go well. Dallas Des Pictons has scope to improve and while a little below par on his latest run, he has more experience under his belt and can run a fair race.