Howden Graduation Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:51 | Winning time: 5m 27.9s

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Selected odds by:

Fil Dor^p,t²³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: D J Gilligan| T: G Elliott| OR: 152

17/2

Very smart chaser who changed hands for €620,000 after finishing second in the Grade 2 Hilly Way Chase a year ago. Hasn't matched that form since, winning a "match" as he was entitled to at Thurles 3 weeks ago. Hard to know the level he's capable of at present.

Form: 273P-21

Jungle Boogie²⁸¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-10| J: D J O'Keeffe| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 154| D

7/2

Won bumper, hurdle and chase on first 3 starts for Willie Mullins. Lost unbeaten record in Cork Grade 2 on return from long absence but quickly back to winning ways when stepped up to 23f at Tramore (Grade 3) on New Year's Day. Cracking sixth in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham 2 months later.

Form: 111/416-

Iroko^t²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 152| BF

11/8

Thrived over hurdles in 2022/23 and was an easy winner of a novice on his seasonal/chase debut last year. Took his form up another notch on third start over fences when 4 lengths second of 6 to Inothewayurthinkin in Grade 1 Mildmay at Aintree in April and shaped very well on Haydock reappearance.

Form: 13/152-2

James Du Berlais^t²³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: D A Jacob| T: W P Mullins| OR: 155| D

2/1

Consistent sort but he's been winless in this sphere since his debut in January 2023. Excellent second under a big weight in Topham at Aintree in April prior to a race jumping lapse at Punchestown. Should be in the mix.

Form: 44372F-

Forecasts

Iroko (11/8), James Du Berlais (2/1), Jungle Boogie (7/2), Fil Dor (17/2)

A tightly knit and high-quality minor race in which a case of sorts can be made for each of the quartet. Preference though, is for IROKO, who could hardly have shaped better when second on Haydock reappearance and he could end up in the very top company this season. Jungle Boogie is perhaps the pick of the Irish opposition.