Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase

Off time: 13:20 | Winning time: 4m 17.00s

Blackbow^h,t¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: D J Mullins| T: W P Mullins| D

5/1

Very good bumper performer. Didn't quite live up to expectations over hurdles last season but back on track with impressive chase debut success at Naas. Fell early in Leopardstown Grade 1 since.

Form: 2F42-1F

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Captain Guinness³³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| D

7/4

Came a long way in a short space of time over hurdles last term and wasted no time shrugging aside a disappointing run on chase debut when winning in big field at Punchestown. More to come.

Form: 12B-P1

Energumene⁵⁴

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

10/11

Exciting prospect who bolted up on his Gowran hurdle debut in March and did likewise when switched to fences at the same venue on his return in November. Could be really good.

Form: 1/311-1

Farmix⁶¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Donagh Meyler| T: Miss E Doyle| D

28/1

Hurdle winner who made a successful start over fences in 2m Fairyhouse novice in November. Open to progress but a good deal more will be required to follow up against this opposition.

Form: 4221-1

Forecasts

Energumene (10/11), Captain Guinness (7/4), Blackbow (5/1), Farmix (28/1)

ENERGUMENE looked potentially high class when hacking up on his Gowran chase debut and it's perhaps significant that Paul Townend is on him rather than Blackbow given that that one was sent off second favourite for a Leopardstown Grade 1 over Christmas only to depart early. Captain Guinness is another fascinating contender in this very strong novice chase.