18:00 Punchestown

Tuesday 30 April 2024

All14:3015:0515:4016:1516:5017:2518:0018:35

Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 18:00 | Winning time: 6m 41.8s

American Mike^t⁴⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 147| D

14/1

Rather underwhelming over hurdles given his bumper form but he has quickly made into a smart chaser this season, landing Ten Up Chase at Navan (3m). However, well-beaten fifth of 6 to Fact To File in Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (Broadway) at Cheltenham (24.5f, heavy) since.

Form: 74-1415

Embassy Gardens⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 150| BF| CD

7/2

Smart chaser. Course winner. 7/4 and hooded for 1st time, respectable 17 lengths second of 7 to Corbetts Cross in National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham (29.9f, heavy) 49 days ago, needing lesser test. Can make presence felt back down in trip.

Form: 1P6-112

Monty's Star⁴⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 150| CD

5/2

Half-brother to the top-class Monalee and very much going the right way, winning maiden chase here (3m) before good 3¾ lengths second of 6 to Fact To File in Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (Broadway) at Cheltenham (24.5f, heavy) 48 days ago. Has good chance on form.

Form: 21P-312

Sandor Clegane^t⁴⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Sean O'Keeffe| T: P Nolan| OR: 145| C

8/1

Third in last year's Albert Bartlett and has made a fair start over fences this term without winning, chasing home Embassy Gardens in Grade 3 at Naas before 10 lengths fourth of 6 to Fact To File in Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (Broadway) at Cheltenham (24.5f, heavy) 48 days ago. Tough ask.

Form: 31-4224

Sharjah^t¹⁰

Age: 11| Weight: 11-10| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 153| C

15/2

Has come to chasing quite late but this dual Champion Hurdle second has taken well to it, winning a Grade 3 at Tipperary in October. Ran no sort of race in Golden Miller at the Cheltenham Festival but took advantage of drop in class when winning handicap chase at Ayr (24.1f). Unexposed at 3m.

Form: 143491

Spillane's Tower³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Mark Walsh| T: J J Mangan| OR: 150| C

5/2

Grade 3 winner here (19.7f) in January and resumed winning ways 7-runner Willowwarm Gold Cup Novices' Chase at Fairyhouse (20f, heavy) 30 days ago. Open to further progress and big shout if stamina holds.

Form: 441121

Three Card Brag^p1¹²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Sam Ewing| T: G Elliott| OR: 147| BF

25/1

Useful hurdle novice hurdler last season and even better form when runner-up in maiden chases at Fairyhouse (to Corbett's Cross) and Punchestown (3m, heavy) at the end of 2023. Headgear on 1st time. Others have achieved more.

Form: 2156-22

Non-Runners

Salvador Ziggy⁴⁹

Weight: 11-10| Age: 8

T: G Elliott J: Jordan Gainford

Forecasts

Spillane's Tower (5/2), Monty's Star (5/2), Embassy Gardens (7/2), Sharjah (15/2), Sandor Clegane (8/1), American Mike (14/1), Three Card Brag (25/1), Salvador Ziggy (25/1)

MONTY'S STAR found only Fact To File too strong in the Brown Advisory at the Cheltenham Festival and should still be relatively fresh after only 3 starts this season. He gets the vote over the progressive Spillane's Tower and Embassy Gardens, who will be suited by the drop back in trip.