Bobbyjo Chase (Grade 3)

Off time: 14:52 | Winning time: 7m 2.3s

Acapella Bourgeois^h³⁰

Age: 11| Weight: 11-8| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 155| BF| CD

6/4

Very smart chaser. Landed this contest 12 months ago and hinted at a return to his best when fading fifth of 18 in handicap chase at Gowran (25f) 30 days ago. Player once more for top yard.

Form: 0261-25

Anibale Fly^t³⁵⁶

Age: 11| Weight: 11-2| J: Mark Walsh| T: A J Martin| OR: 150| C

17/2

Very smart chaser who was runner-up in Gold Cup and fifth in Grand National in 2019. Makes comeback after 11 months off ahead of another tilt at Aintree but can't be discounted. Market can guide.

Form: 25/9883-

Burrows Saint^t³⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 156| C

9/4

Very smart chaser who has been campaigned over hurdles both starts this season. Back chasing now so much bolder showing is expected as he gears up for Grand National bid.

Form: 1/531-26

The Long Mile²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: J S McGarvey| T: J P Dempsey| OR: 145

15/2

Useful chaser. Scored at Limerick in December but only fifteenth of 22 in handicap chase (20/1) at Leopardstown 20 days ago. Faces a tough ask in this company.

Form: 211-F10

Tout Est Permis³⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Sean Flanagan| T: N Meade| OR: 153

5/1

Smart chaser. Thirteen runs since last win in 2019, and pulled up in handicap chase at Gowran (25f, heavy) 30 days ago. Needs to bounce back.

Form: 3-2359P

Forecasts

Acapella Bourgeois (6/4), Burrows Saint (9/4), Tout Est Permis (5/1), The Long Mile (15/2), Anibale Fly (17/2)

ACAPELLA BOURGEOIS took this event 12 months ago and signalled he's ready to go close again when fifth at Gowran last month so gets the nod ahead of stable-companion Burrows Saint who has his first run over fences this season in his build-up to the Grand National. The returning Anibale Fly has the form to play a big part but is also being earmarked for Aintree so might have to settle for a place.