Barberstown Castle Novice Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 17:25 | Winning time: 4m 8.40s

Gaelic Warrior^h⁵¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 167| C| D

1/3

Grade 1 3m novice hurdle winner at this meeting last season and unbeaten in completed starts over fences this term, impressive when landing the Arkle in a first-time hood 7 weeks ago. Will take the beating.

Form: 21-11U1

Hercule Du Seuil^h,t¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Mark Walsh| T: W P Mullins| OR: 150| C| D

11/1

Won 5 in a row over fences and not seen to best effect in the Maghull (2m) at Aintree back from 6 months off, messed about at the start and very much looked after with winning out of the question.

Form: 111114

Il Etait Temps^h,t²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 160| D

7/2

Comfortably seen off twice by stablemate Gaelic Warrior this season but has won his other 3 starts, landing the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown and found things playing right into his hands in a race that tested speed when winning the 20f Grade 1 novice at Aintree last month.

Form: 2-12131

Mount Frisco³²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Daniel King| T: J P Ryan| OR: 118| D

125/1

Fairly useful chaser. 9/2, good second of 9 in handicap chase at Fairyhouse (16.7f, heavy) 32 days ago, going with enthusiasm. Huge shock if he wins this.

Form: 142242

Forecasts

Gaelic Warrior (1/3), Il Etait Temps (7/2), Hercule Du Seuil (11/1), Mount Frisco (125/1)

A Willie Mullins benefit in this novice once again and GAELIC WARRIOR can give the Champion Trainer a ninth straight victory in this Grade 1. He was impressive when winning the Arkle and will take all the beating. Il Etait Temps and Hercule du Seuil should complete a 1-2-3 for the stable with clear rounds.