16:50 Punchestown

Tuesday 29 April 2025

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

Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 16:50 | Winning time: 6m 20.60s

Ballyburn⁴⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 160| BF| C

11/8

Leading novice hurdler of 2023/24 who was much more at home back up in trip when doubling his chase tally in Gr 1 at Leopardstown (21.5f) in February. Fluffed his lines (significant error seventh) in Brown Advisory at Cheltenham latest but he undoubtedly remains capable of better still over fences.

Form: 1-1215

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Champ Kiely⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 150| BF

22/1

Smart chaser who made most of good opportunity when readily landing Navan Grade 3 in March. Posted a creditable effort whilst seemingly having limitations exposed in Fairyhouse Grade 1 9 days ago and work to do having first crack at this sort of trip.

Form: 3/1413

Gorgeous Tom⁴⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Darragh O'Keeffe| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 150| C

14/1

Positive profile over hurdles and similar story over fences, his second success coming in a Cork Grade 3 (20f) in November. Similar form in defeat in pair of Grade 1's at Fairyhouse/Cheltenham since and he's an each-way player.

Form: 01F144

Ile Atlantique^t⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Mr P W Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 153

16/1

Quickly reached a smart level in this sphere, building on his maiden victory when bagging Naas Gr 2 in January. Struggled in Irish Arkle next start before exiting at the third at Fairyhouse (20f) 9 days ago but feasible to think he still has more to offer now tackling this trip for the first time.

Form: 7-115U

Impaire Et Passe^p²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: J J Slevin| T: W P Mullins| OR: 159| C

11/4

High-class winner over hurdles who is 3 from 4 over larger obstacles, dispelling a lacklustre run at Leopardstown (21.5f) in February fitted with cheekpieces when running out a good winner of the Grade 1 Manifesto at Aintree (19.9f) 26 days ago. Claims if seeing out the trip.

Form: 1-1131

Lecky Watson⁴⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Sean O'Keeffe| T: W P Mullins| OR: 159| C| D

9/2

Placed at Grade 1 level over hurdles and comes here 3-3 over fences, showing the best turn of foot when taking Grade 1 Brown Advisory at Cheltenham (24.5f) 7 weeks ago, by 4 lengths from re-opposing Stellar Story. A repeat gives him sound claims.

Form: 55-111

Stellar Story^p⁴⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Danny Gilligan| T: G Elliott| OR: 154| C

14/1

Smart hurdler who landed last season's Albert Bartlett and similar form over fences, landing Grade 3 here in November. Matched previous best when chasing home Stellar Story in Brown Advisory Chase and stamina looks his strong suit. Respected.

Form: 4-1422

Don't Rightly Know²⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 11-3| J: H Cobden| T: P Gundry| OR: 144

40/1

Lightly-raced 10-y-o who was consistent over hurdles but different proposition over fences, typically jumping well when bringing up the hat-trick in mares' listed event at Exeter (24.2f, heavy) in February. Never travelling well when pulled in Gr. 1 at Aintree latest though, and this another big ask

Form: 2-111P

Non-Runners

Slade Steel¹³⁴

Weight: 11-10| Age: 7

T: H De Bromhead J: Rachael Blackmore

Forecasts

Ballyburn (11/8), Impaire Et Passe (11/4), Lecky Watson (9/2), Slade Steel (10/1), Stellar Story (14/1), Gorgeous Tom (14/1), Ile Atlantique (16/1), Champ Kiely (22/1), Don't Rightly Know (40/1)

BALLYBURN didn't appear to relish being ridden with restraint and ultimately found his chance compromised with a significant mistake at the seventh when fifth in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham last month. However, Willie Mullins' charge undoubtedly remains with potential in this sphere, not least over 3m+ and he's selected to gain compensation back on home soil. Impaire et Passe, who arrives following success at Aintree, and Lecky Watson, who defeated the selection latest, head the dangers.