Ladbrokes Dublin Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 4m 14.06s

Blue Lord^t⁴⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 167| CD

1/4

Top-class chaser whose only defeat in 7 starts over fences came when third in Arkle at Cheltenham last season. Established himself as a force to be reckoned with in this division when beating a strong field in Paddy's Rewards Club Chase over C&D in December so rates as the one to beat.

Form: 1131-11

Dunvegan²²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: B J Cooper| T: P A Fahy| OR: 158| D

20/1

Very smart handicap chaser who ran right up to his best when runner-up in handicap chase at Fairyhouse (17f, heavy) 22 days ago (12 lb higher mark than when winning previous year's renewal). Runner-up in this last year and that's probably the best he can hope for.

Form: 9112-52

Fastorslow⁴⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: J J Slevin| T: M Brassil| OR: 147| D

33/1

Faced a stiff task when 21¼ lengths fifth of 6 to Galopin Des Champs in John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (19.9f, soft, 66/1) on debut over fences just under 7 weeks ago and while he should be sharper for the run/experience now, this is another tough assignment.

Form: 2/0022-5

Gentleman De Mee^h,t⁴⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 158

15/2

Beat Edwardstone when winning an Aintree Grade 1 last spring but yet to fire this season, finishing a well-beaten sixth to Blue Lord in Paddy's Rewards Club Chase at this C&D (soft) 40 days ago. Came good in the second half of last season but needs to get back on track.

Form: 111-U46

Sceau Royal⁴¹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-12| J: D A Jacob| T: A King| OR: 158| D

9/1

Very smart hurdler/chaser who landed the odds at Kempton in a listed hurdle on his reappearance. Just as good when 2½ lengths second to Knappers Hill in Grade 2 Elite at Wincanton next time but suffered a rare blip in Christmas Hurdle last time. Switches back over fences.

Form: 232-124

Forecasts

Blue Lord (1/4), Gentleman De Mee (15/2), Sceau Royal (9/1), Dunvegan (20/1), Fastorslow (33/1)

Willie Mullins is yet to taste defeat in the Dublin Chase and his BLUE LORD is strongly fancied to take this year's renewal having established himself as a force to be reckoned with in this division over C&D just under 6 weeks ago. Sceau Royal and Gentleman de Mee look the main dangers and the former is narrowly preferred to provide owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede an impressive 1-2.