Ladbrokes Champion Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 14:32 | Winning time: 6m 17.7s

Beacon Edge¹⁹³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: B J Cooper| T: N Meade| OR: 155

10/1

Very smart chaser. Six wins from 19 NH runs. 11/1, pulled up in Champion Novices' Chase at Punchestown (24.3f, good to soft) won by Capodanno. Off 6 months.

Form: 21F27P-

Conflated²¹²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 168| D

13/2

Much improved when landing Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown in February and confimed that was no fluke on his next 2 starts, disputing second when falling 2 out in Ryanair then length second to Clan des Obeaux at Aintree. Should go well if primed for reappearance.

Form: U211F2-

Envoi Allen^t¹⁹³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 161| C

7/2

High-class chaser who won the Grade 2 on this card 12 months ago. 14½ lengths third of 5 to Energumene in William Hill Champion Chase at Punchestown (2m) when last seen in April. Steps back up markedly in trip on reappearance.

Form: P/16133-

Galvin²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 166| D

5/6

Second in this last year before collaring A Plus Tard on the line in Savills at Leopardstown in December. Warmed up for this with a win at Punchestown last month. Leading claims.

Form: 12146-1

Kemboy^p³⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 158| D

17/2

Very smart chaser. 6/1, respectable 2¼ lengths second of 6 to Easy Game in PWC Champion Chase at Gowran (20f, good to soft) 35 days ago, needing stiffer test. Cheekpieces back on.

Form: 534-622

Forecasts

Galvin (5/6), Envoi Allen (7/2), Conflated (13/2), Kemboy (17/2), Beacon Edge (10/1)

There's little to separate Gordon Elliott pair GALVIN and Conflated on form. The former has a recent outing under his belt and that just tips things in his favour as he bids to go one better than last year. Kemboy may prove best of the rest.