Ladbrokes Novice Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 13:10 | Winning time: 5m 26.90s

Arctic Skua^p,t²⁸⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Phillip Enright| T: V Halley

300/1

Little show in 2 starts under Rules and was pulled on his most recent point outing back in April 2024. Long way out of his depth.

Form: P231P7-

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Ballyburn³⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| C| D

8/13

Developed into last season's leading novice hurdler, recording hat-trick of Grade 1s at Leopardstown, Cheltenham and Punchestown. Made a fine start to his chasing career at Punchestown in November, and though no match for Sir Gino over 2m last time, he remains a highly-exciting chaser.

Form: 1111-12

Champ Kiely³²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| D

8/1

Grade 1-winning novice hurdler created a big impression on the back of a 20-month absence when impressively winning a 9-runner novice chase at Fairyhouse (21.5f, soft) on New Year's Day. Sure to make up for lost time as a chaser.

Form: 14133/1

Croke Park³⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Sam Ewing| T: G Elliott| C

11/1

Took his record over fences 3-3 - the latest pair at Grade 1 level - when edging out Better Days Ahead in the Fort Leney Novices' Chase at this course (24.4f, good to soft). Drop back in trip perhaps likelier to suit others better, though.

Form: 17P-111

Impaire Et Passe³⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: J J Slevin| T: W P Mullins| OR: 154| D

11/4

High-class winner up to 22f over hurdles, including Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle in April and has made a smooth transition to chasing, scoring again at the top level when winning the 7-runner Faugheen Novices' Chase at Limerick. Leading player.

Form: 2311-11

Prairie Dancer^b¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: R Deegan| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 136| D

125/1

Useful dual purpose performer who opened his account over fences in 6-runner Downpatrick maiden (19.5f) in August. Doubled his tally in this sphere at Thurles prior to Christmas and ran respectably on the Flat last time but should be long way out of his depth at this level.

Form: 3P-2611

Non-Runners

Better Days Ahead³⁸

Weight: 11-10| Age: 7

T: G Elliott J: Danny Gilligan

Forecasts

Ballyburn (8/13), Impaire Et Passe (11/4), Champ Kiely (8/1), Better Days Ahead (10/1), Croke Park (11/1), Prairie Dancer (125/1), Arctic Skua (300/1)

BALLYBURN couldn't match the speed of Sir Gino back at 2m last time but remains a top-class chasing prospect and he's fancied to score at the top level for the fourth time returned to a longer trip. The biggest threats could come from within his own yard, with Impaire Et Passe also highly respected after his smooth win in the Faugheen. Champ Kiely could hardly have been more impressive when belying a lengthy absence on his chasing debut and can give Mullins a 1-2-3.