bet365 Celebration Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 3m 53.6s

Greaneteen⁷⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 165| CD

11/8

Won this race a year ago and an emphatic winner of Tingle Creek Chase over C&D in December. Turned in a rare poor effort when last seen in Dublin Chase at Leopardstown but a big danger to all if back on his game.

Form: 41-4125

Nube Negra^t¹⁴⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 167| D

6/4

Hasn't stood much racing in recent times but he caused an upset in the Desert Orchid Chase in December 2020 prior to a cracking second in the Champion Chase. Grade 2 Schloer Chase winner in November but didn't go with much zest behind Greaneteen in the Tingle Creek here when last seen.

Form: 2/123-14

Rouge Vif^t⁹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Lorcan Williams| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 153| DWS

14/1

Smart chaser for Harry Whittington. Failed to finish his race off both starts for this yard, reportedly suffering a respiratory issue when last seen in January. Tough task on these terms even if bouncing back.

Form: 1349-43

Sceau Royal¹⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: D A Jacob| T: A King| OR: 162| CD

5/1

Very smart hurdler/chaser who ran right up to form when second to Funambule Sivola in Game Spirit Chase at Newbury in February, conceding 6 lb. Didn't quite see out 19.9f in the Melling Chase but likely to be on the premises. Well-held third in this race a year ago.

Form: 113623

Sky Pirate^p1,t¹⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 150| D

25/1

Much improved for drop to 2m last season, signing off with success in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham. Plenty of solid efforts from inflated mark this campaign but he doesn't quite look up to this grade. Cheekpieces on first time.

Form: 432404

Forecasts

Greaneteen (11/8), Nube Negra (6/4), Sceau Royal (5/1), Rouge Vif (14/1), Sky Pirate (25/1)

GREANETEEN can boast an excellent record over this C&D, winning this race a year ago along with the Tingle Creek in December. There were legitimate excuses for his heavy defeat at the Dublin Racing Festival and he can bounce back at the chief expense of Nube Negra and Sceau Royal.