Howden Graduation Chase (GBB Race)

4YO plus | Class 2 | 2m 5f 13y | 3 Runners | Turf

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: S Bowen| T: G Elliott| OR: 154

Smart chaser who was runner-up in a Grade 1 at Fairyhouse on final start last season. Comfortably landed the odds at Down Royal on return and big chance of following up.

Form: 32362-1

James Du Berlais^t²⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: J J Slevin| T: W P Mullins| OR: 160| D

Produced a career best to land a 2½m handicap at the Punchestown Festival in April before out of his depth in Grade 1 there on return. Quirky, but can get back on track returned to calmer waters.

Form: 30551-6

Iroko^t²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 151

Martin Pipe winner at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival and has developed into a very smart chaser, ending last season with a fine fourth of 34 in the Grand National at Aintree. Made a respectable return at Haydock and receives 3 lb from his rivals, though this trip looks short of his optimum.

Form: 2F424-2

Forecasts

Firefox (11/8), Iroko (2/1), James Du Berlais (9/4)

Little to choose between these 3 but FIREFOX appeals as the most solid option with James du Berlais not the most straightforward and Iroko possibly having one eye on the future.