Fairyhouse Easter Festival 8th - 10th April Rated Chase

Off time: 13:45 | Winning time: 6m 31.06s

Cape Gentleman^p⁴²

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Brian Hayes| T: J J Hanlon| OR: 150

10/1

Smart chaser at best for Emmet Mullins. After 10 weeks off, probably need the run on first outing for new yard when well-beaten in handicap hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas. This run should reveal more back over fences.

Form: F-92F30

Minella Crooner^p²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Sam Ewing| T: G Elliott| C| D

8/13

Latest win in chase here in December. 5/1, bit below form 22½ lengths third of 6 to Impervious in Killiney Novices' Chase at Punchestown (19.7f, heavy) 24 days ago, unsuited by the shorter trip. Leading claims on these terms.

Form: 12P-213

Velvet Elvis⁴²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Darragh O'Keeffe| T: T Gibney| OR: 140| D

7/2

Pulled up after ninth in handicap chase (16/1) at Limerick (19.7f, heavy) 42 days ago. All roads may lead to the Irish National again here in April (eye-catching sixth in 2022).

Form: 516-0PP

Milan Native^t⁶²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-3| J: Jordan Gainford| T: G Elliott| OR: 138

16/1

Kim Muir winner in 2020. Off another year, 20/1, fell in minor hurdle at Clonmel (24f, heavy) 62 days ago. Plenty to prove at present.

Form: P09P/P-F

Agusta Gold^b,t³⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 10-13| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 135| C

7/1

Useful chaser. Course winner. Off 5 months, well-beaten fourth of 5 to Scarlet And Dove in Grade 3 mares event at this course (21.1f, heavy, 9/1) 38 days ago. She could do better now.

Form: F5-0U44

Pakens Rock⁴²

Age: 10| Weight: 10-13| J: Donagh Meyler| T: B T Murphy| OR: 120

33/1

Useful hurdler. Off 22 months, sixth of 13 in handicap chase at Limerick (19.7f, heavy, 40/1) 42 days ago, always behind. Can't be fancied on these terms.

Form: 84566/6

Forecasts

Minella Crooner (8/13), Velvet Elvis (7/2), Agusta Gold (7/1), Cape Gentleman (10/1), Milan Native (16/1), Pakens Rock (33/1)

MINELLA CROONER will be well suited by this test and can resume winning ways. Agusta Gold may strip fitter for her return here on New Year's Day and could fare much better this time. Cape Gentleman might be closer to form now also.