North Down Marquees Rated Novice Chase

Off time: 15:35 | Winning time: 5m 25.7s

Golazo¹⁵²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: D J Mullins| T: W P Mullins

10/3

Was a very impressive winner in a bumper at Ballinrobe a couple of starts back over the extended 2m1f; looked a promising stayer chaser when winning well on chase debut at Tramore in October; long absence a slight worry but should run well.

Form: 152531

Thegoaheadman^p⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: R M Power| T: Mrs J Harrington

5/2

Running well in defeat in a couple of starts over hurdles in December and on chasing introduction in a Thurles beginners contest over 2m last month; fair recent run at Naas and going in the right direction.

Form: P48433

Crossed My Mind²⁹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: N P Madden| T: A L T Moore| OR: 120

9/1

Not seen the racecourse since May and not run over fences since beaten favourite and runner-up in this contest last season; has gone well fresh in the past so still one to consider.

Form: P4U21-8

Prospectus¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: J B Kane⁽⁵⁾| T: G P Cromwell| OR: 120

9/4

Outran odds of 66-1 when fourth in Navan beginners' chase in November over 2m1f on soft; formed dipped slightly on next two runs but bounced back last with fair run at Leopardstown; stable won this contest last year.

Form: 0-04092

Great Khan^t²³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-5| J: Danny Mullins| T: E J O'Grady| OR: 118

5/1

14-race chase maiden but running well in defeat in a number of starts over the larger obstacles since October; needs to improve his jumping but when everything clicks he will be winning races.

Form: 2P2237

Chase End Charlie³⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: J S McGarvey| T: Gary McGill| OR: 115| D

33/1

Not competed in a chase since 2016 and last seen around this time of the year in 2019 over hurdles; has been busy in point-to-points but without success of late; others preferred.

Form: 445764

Kagney^h¹⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: Liam McKenna⁽⁷⁾| T: J J Lambe| OR: 109| D

50/1

The promise shown on chase bow at Kilbeggan (second) back in 2018 has long since subsided and was last of eight at the start of the month at Leopardstown; others have better claims.

Form: F9P6-58

Forecasts

Prospectus (9/4), Thegoaheadman (5/2), Golazo (10/3), Great Khan (5/1), Crossed My Mind (9/1), Chase End Charlie (33/1), Kagney (50/1)

GOLAZO looks the clear pick here given the manner of his success at Tramore in October where he would have learned a great deal. On the downside, it is a long break since that run and a step back in trip is not ideal but he should be too strong for his rivals here. Crossed My Mind finished second in this race last season and once again comes into the race fresh. It is possible he has improved for his recent lay-off and market support would be interesting. Prospectus put in one of his better performances last time at Leopardstown and should run his race for the stable who won this contest last year.