Ladbrokes Novice Chase (Grade 1)

5YO plus | Class 1 | 2m 5f 107y | 5 Runners | Turf

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 158| C| D

Dual Grade 1 winning hurdler who easily made it 2-2 over fences in Limerick Grade 1 over Christmas. A top-class prospect who will be very hard to beat again.

Form: 1131-11

Jimmy Du Seuil³⁵

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

15/2

Really smart handicap performance to win the ultra-competitive Coral Cup at last season's Cheltenham Festival. Made a successful start in this sphere in 15-runner maiden at Fairyhouse in November but let down by his jumping when a remote last of 4 behind Final Demand at Limerick since.

Form: 245/1-14

Kaid D'authie^p³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Mark Walsh| T: W P Mullins| OR: 148| C

6/1

Bettered his hurdles form at first time of asking in this sphere when second to stablemate Kitzbuhel in maiden at Punchestown and duly went one better at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day. The cheekpieces he wore when winning over hurdles at last year's Punchestown Festival return. More to come.

Form: 14P1-21

Rushmount⁴³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Philip Donovan| T: Jonathan Sweeney| OR: 143

50/1

Left his maiden chase form behind when bolting up on his Thurles handicap chase debut just before Christmas. That was a very good performance but this is a jump in class.

Form: 10-4551

Western Fold⁹²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 157

9/1

Went 0-5 over fences last season but has been a totally different proposition in the first half of this campaign, winning 4 times, including Galway Plate and Gowran Grade 2 (beat Affordale Fury. Creditable 5¼ lengths third of 5 to Envoi Allen in 3m Down Royal Grade 1 in November. Should go well.

Form: 2-11113

Forecasts

Final Demand (2/5), Kaid D'authie (13/2), Western Fold (7/1), Jimmy Du Seuil (8/1), Rushmount (50/1)

Willie Mullins can take this for the sixth time since 2020 courtesy of the hugely exciting FINAL DEMAND. Western Fold enjoyed an excellent first half of the season and can follow him home.