Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup (Grade 1)

Off time: 15:41 | Winning time: 6m 34.90s

Delta Work^h,t⁴¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 170| CD

5/1

Top-class chaser who won 3 Grade 1's last term, including this race. Unseated in rather unfortunate circumstances in Savills Chase at Leopardstown latest and well worth treating as still in form.

Form: 4115-5U

Kemboy⁴¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 168| CD

11/4

Top-class chaser who finished runner-up to Delta Work in this 12 months ago. As good as ever this campaign, collared late on by A Plus Tard in Savills Chase latest. Should make another bold bid.

Form: 1427-22

Melon⁴¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 166| C

7/2

Very smart hurdler (dual Champion Hurdle second) who ran a cracker and opened up options with regards to trip when 2 lengths third in Savills Chase over Christmas. Should give it his best shot again.

Form: 2142-33

Minella Indo⁴¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 165| BF| D

13/8

One of last season's best staying novice chasers (second in RSA). Easy winner of first 2 starts this term and best to forgive fall in Savills Chase (rare jumping blip). Well worth another chance.

Form: 212-11F

The Storyteller⁴¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: Keith Donoghue| T: G Elliott| OR: 162| D

20/1

Capable of high-class form in this sphere, landing Down Royal Grade 1 in October. Good second in Christmas Hurdle last followed but suspicion he may find a couple too good on this occasion.

Form: 112112

Forecasts

Minella Indo (13/8), Kemboy (11/4), Melon (7/2), Delta Work (5/1), The Storyteller (20/1)

MINELLA INDO was one of last season's best staying novice chasers (runner-up to Champ in RSA) and, having landed a pair of small field contests upon returning, was undone by a rare jumping error when falling in the Savills Chase last time. He's well worth another chance on balance and gets the nod to get back on track. Delta Work and Kemboy, 1-2 in this last year, can also play their part.