Paxtons No1 CaseIH Dealer In UK&Ireland Handicap Chase

4YO plus | Class 5 | 3m 2f 202y | 6 Runners | Turf

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Jack Hogan⁽³⁾| T: Caroline Mccaldin| OR: 100

Fit from points when winning 8-runner handicap chase at Fairyhouse (24.5f, heavy), looking more straightforward than has sometimes been the case and rallying to lead on line. Not in same form at Punchestown 9 days later but might have found that run coming too soon.

Form: 45-F416

Largy Nights^b²²

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: S Bowen| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 100| CD

Stepped up on comeback run to register a second success over fences when beating Ballylinch by 12 lengths over C&D 3 weeks ago. 8 lb higher now still lightly raced for his age.

Form: 1/22P-31

Skyhill^t²²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-11| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: Mrs A C Hamilton| OR: 97| CD

Ended fruitful 2022-23 campaign with victory in C&D handicap (heavy). Respectable 19 lengths third of 6 to Largy Nights in handicap chase at this C&D (heavy) on return 3 weeks ago and entitled to be sharper now.

Form: 11451-3

Ballylinch²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Sean Quinlan| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 90| BF| CD

Winning pointer who improved on his hurdles form when making a winning start over fences in 8-runner C&D handicap (soft) in October. Similar form when 2 lengths second of 6 to Largy Nights in handicap chase over same C&D (heavy, 6/5) 22 days ago, eased near finish. 8 lb better off with winner now.

Form: 2-48312

Don Brocco^p,t¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Craig Nichol| T: H Graham & G Rutherford| OR: 88

Back-to-back winner of staying handicap hurdles in February/March 2022 but has struggled since, though needed a stiffer test when sixth of 8 at Newcastle (23.4f, good to soft) on debut over fences 15 days ago. Cheekpieces back on.

Form: 7P7-686

Ballintogher Boy^p1¹⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 10-2| J: Danny McMenamin| T: C Grant| OR: 73

No show last 3 starts, including both outings last month after a year off. Hard to fancy.

Form: 16/2P-PP

Forecasts

Largy Nights (11/10), Ballylinch (7/2), Faith Loving (5/1), Skyhill (6/1), Don Brocco (14/1), Ballintogher Boy (20/1)

BALLYLINCH was eased at the finish when beaten 12 lengths by Largy Nights over C&D 3 weeks ago so an 8 lb swing may be enough for him to turn the tables. Faith Loving might have found his Punchestown run coming too soon and may prove best of the others.