BAR 1 Betting Hilly Way Chase (Grade 2)

Off time: 14:50 | Winning time: 4m 14.00s

Banbridge²²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: J J Slevin| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 166| D

20/1

Proved suited by the return to 3m when overhauling Il Est Francais in the King George at Kempton last Christmas. Disappointing in Cheltenham and Punchestown Golds Cups in the spring. Capable of bouncing back but might be using this as a prep for this year's King George.

Form: 1/4U174-

Majborough²²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 12-0| J: Mark Walsh| T: W P Mullins| OR: 164| D

4/6

Impressive winner of the Triumph Hurdle at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival and quickly translated all that ability to fences, winning Grade 1 novices at Leopardstown and Punchestown last season. Should be even more to come from this very exciting 5-y-o.

Form: 31/1131-

Energumene²²⁵

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

7/2

Dual Queen Mother Champion Chase winner who is bidding to make a successful reappearance in this race for the fourth time. Last season's efforts suggest he's not quite the force of old but his record in this makes him a dangerous one to discount.

Form: 11/12P3-

Found A Fifty²⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 164| D

3/1

High-class chaser. Career best when winning 5-runner Grade 2 Fortria at Navan (2m, heavy, 5/2) 20 days ago by 5 lengths from Dinoblue, pushed out. Should give another good account for his very much in-form stable.

Form: 1P51-41

Ad Caelum⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: Danny Mullins| T: J P Ryan| OR: 114

300/1

Fairly useful hurdler/chaser but out of her depth in this company.

Form: 172266

Forecasts

Majborough (4/6), Found A Fifty (3/1), Energumene (7/2), Banbridge (20/1), Ad Caelum (300/1)

MAJBOROUGH's tendency for the odd erratic jump can give odds-on backers a fright but he's hugely talented and a clear round should see him provide Willie Mullins with a remarkable 17th win in this Grade 2 since 2007. Recent Fortria winner Found A Fifty can follow him home.