Bar One Racing 'Extra Places At Cheltenham' Directors Plate Novice Chase (Grade 3)

Off time: 16:18 | Winning time: 5m 26.60s

Aarons Day^t²⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: Phillip Enright| T: O McKiernan| OR: 131| CD

40/1

Useful chaser. C&D winner. Below form well-beaten fifth of 9 to Churchstonewarrior in Ten Up Novices' Chase at Navan (24f, good to soft, 16/1) 28 days ago.

Form: 372515

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Flanking Maneuver²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: B J Cooper| T: N Meade| D

11/2

Smart chaser. 16/1, 1¼ lengths third of 9 to Churchstonewarrior in Ten Up Novices' Chase at Navan (24f, good to soft) on debut over fences 28 days ago, travelling best. Should improve.

Form: 51214/3

Francin²¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-0| J: R A Berry| T: J A Berry| OR: 116

200/1

Fairly useful chaser. Third of 5 in novice chase at Punchestown (15.8f, good to soft, 7/1) 21 days ago. Back up in trip and he looks up against it.

Form: 3532F3

Gold Cup Bailly^t³⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: D A Jacob| T: S R B Crawford| OR: 139| BF| D

12/1

Useful chaser. 3 wins from 4 runs this season. Latest win in chase at Ayr in January. Second of 4 in handicap chase (5/6) at Ayr (24.1f, soft) 39 days ago. Yard in good form and he merits respect.

Form: 2/3-1112

Journey With Me⁵⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| BF| CD

8/13

Promising type. Good ½-length second of 6 to Impervious in Killiney Novices' Chase (9/4) at Punchestown (19.7f, heavy) 56 days ago, going with enthusiasm. The one to beat.

Form: 1F7-F12

Saldier³¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins

9/1

Smart hurdler. Career best when winning 10-runner novice chase (4/9) at Thurles (16.4f, good to soft) on debut over fences 31 days ago, driven out. Back up in trip and a bold show anticipated.

Form: P6-3661

Limerick Lace¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-7| J: Mark Walsh| T: G P Cromwell| OR: 142| CD

4/1

Useful chaser. Career best when winning 6-runner handicap chase at this C&D (good to soft, 5/6) 14 days ago, driven out. Stable in good form and she has to be taken seriously.

Form: F9-5211

Forecasts

Journey With Me (8/13), Limerick Lace (4/1), Flanking Maneuver (11/2), Saldier (9/1), Gold Cup Bailly (12/1), Aarons Day (40/1), Francin (200/1)

Dual hurdles winner FLANKING MANEUVER made a very encouraging start to his chase career following a long layoff when third in a Grade 2 over 3m at Navan last month. This drop back in trip shouldn't be an issue and improvement is on the cards. It will be needed, though, as Journey With Me sets a good standard judged on his close/clear second to a highly progressive mare at Punchestown. On the subject of progressive mares, Limerick Lace merits respect and Saldier is also shortlisted.