Rathmore Stud Irish EBF Novice Chase

Off time: 13:20 | Winning time: 4m 18.07s

Appreciate It²⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-8| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| D

1/9

High-class form over hurdles, capping unbeaten season in 2020/21 with wide-margin victory in the Supreme at Cheltenham. After a further 9 months off, made winning chase debut in maiden at Punchestown 20 days ago. Exciting prospect over fences.

Form: 1111/7-1

Francin¹⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-2| J: Mr J P Berry⁽⁷⁾| T: J A Berry| D

80/1

150/1, faced another tough assignment over fences when fifth of 8 in novice at Fairyhouse (21f, heavy, 150/1) 18 days ago. Back down in trip. Up against it once more.

Form: 311/635

Gaelic Arc⁵⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: N T Prendergast⁽⁷⁾| T: J P Ryan| D

25/1

Useful winner at around 2m over hurdles. Stiff task when well-beaten fourth of 6 to Midnight Run in Craddockstown Novices' Chase at Punchestown (16.8f, good to soft, 40/1) on debut over fences 50 days ago.

Form: 115434

Top Bandit²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| D

11/2

Back on track sent chasing when 7 lengths second of 9 to Appreciate It in maiden at Punchestown (16f, soft, 15/2) 20 days ago. Open to progress, but has work cut out to reverse form with Appreciate It.

Form: 110-F82

Caddy Shack³³

Age: 9| Weight: 10-9| J: Conor Smithers⁽⁷⁾| T: J A Berry| OR: 77

250/1

Sixteen runs since her sole win in 2019. 150/1, behind when pulled up before 2 out in maiden chase at Tramore (21.4f, soft) 33 days ago, Back down in trip. Looks set for another struggle.

Form: P-0P50P

Forecasts

Appreciate It (1/9), Top Bandit (11/2), Gaelic Arc (25/1), Francin (80/1), Caddy Shack (250/1)

APPRECIATE IT created an excellent impression on his belated debut over fences at Punchestown 20 days ago, storming clear for just hands-and-heels riding on the run-in, and he can follow up before going onto to bigger things over fences. Top Bandit was 7 lengths behind the selection last time and can chase him home once again, with Gaelic Arc the pick of the remainder.