Jim Ryan Memorial Novice Chase

Off time: 13:30 | Winning time: 6m 26.50s

Baltic Bird³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Patrick M O'Brien⁽⁷⁾| T: W Durkan

5/2

Ran well when third in handicap hurdle at Ballinrobe in April. Won maiden chase (5 runners) at Down Royal (6/5) 34 days ago, jumping well and quickening to lead between last two fences. Should continue to progress over fences.

Form: 14073-1

Ballinrea⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Liam Quinlan⁽³⁾| T: R J McGrath

50/1

Lightly-raced 8-year-old who has unseated rider in 2 of 3 chase starts. Was in touch but raced freely before unseating rider in a 12-runner maiden chase at Down Royal (33/1) 398 days ago. Returns from a lengthy absence and faces an uphill task.

Form: 9/U7435-

Minella Sergeant⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: J Smith⁽⁵⁾| T: P J Gilligan

33/1

Struggled in bumpers and yet to make an impact over fences. Flattered when fourth of 5 in conditions chase at Listowel (80/1) 6 days ago, beaten 17¾ lengths. Cheekpieces removed for significant step up in trip today. Has plenty to find.

Form: 8780-44

No Time To Wait^p1,t⁸⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Gavin Brouder⁽³⁾| T: J C McConnell| OR: 129

13/2

Bumper/hurdles winner for Gordon Elliott. Improved effort over fences for new yard when length third in 3m Musselburgh handicap but found jumping issues resurface when 9th of 18 in handicap chase at Cheltenham (33/1) 89 days ago. Should be competitive if cheekpieces sharpen up jumping.

Form: 14/P439-

Spanish Harlem^p,t⁴³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Sean Cleary-Farrell⁽⁷⁾| T: W P Mullins| OR: 139

8/15

Remains one of the highest-quality maiden chasers in training. Finished 4th of 19 in a premier handicap chase (Sandown Gold Cup) 43 days ago when ridden more positively than normal. Should take the beating if producing a similarly zestful display over this shorter trip.

Form: P/074C4-

Forecasts

Spanish Harlem (8/15), Baltic Bird (5/2), No Time To Wait (13/2), Minella Sergeant (33/1), Ballinrea (50/1)

SPANISH HARLEM looks the class act in this field and is taken to secure his first win over fences. A winner on chase debut, Baltic Bird remains open to improvement over fences while No Time To Wait, useful at his best, could bounce back if cheekpieces can iron out his jumping issues.