William Hill Racing Bet Builder Chase (Grade 3)

Off time: 16:30 | Winning time: 4m 19.60s

Touch Me Not³⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 150| BF| D

11/4

Grade 1 placed as novice and finished smart second on handicap debut at Fairyhouse earlier in season (17.1f). Again ran creditably when third in Grade 3 handicap over same C&D latest but no easy task conceding 9 lbs.

Form: 254/423

Blood Destiny^t³⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 152| C| D

6/4

Course winner who is still smart on his day over fences, third in 2½m Grade 2 at Gowran in October but was reported to have a breathing problem when pulled up at Fairyhouse last month. Could be the one to beat if back on song.

Form: 3/2123P

Captain Guinness⁵⁷

Age: 11| Weight: 11-1| J: Darragh O'Keeffe| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 157| CD

15/8

Successful in this race in 2022 and high-class winner of Queen Mother Champion chase following season. More poor runs than good ones since however, disappointing both starts this season. Remains to be seen what's left in the tank aged 11.

Form: 5632-P6

Drumgill²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: Daniel King| T: J P Ryan| OR: 135

28/1

Useful chaser won a listed handicap earlier in the season but not in same form 2 runs since. Faces a tall order at the weights even if bouncing back.

Form: P23189

Path D'oroux^t³⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: Kieren Buckley| T: G P Cromwell| OR: 141| D

16/1

Very useful novice but hasn't hit those heights this season, typically promising more than he delivered over hurdles before running poorly in Grade 3 handicap chase at Fairyhouse last time. Booked for a minor role again.

Form: 4P/3-560

Forecasts

Blood Destiny (6/4), Captain Guinness (15/8), Touch Me Not (11/4), Path D'oroux (16/1), Drumgill (28/1)

Not disgraced in a Grade 2 on penultimate start, BLOOD DESTINY has a bit less to prove than veteran Captain Guinness, and he gets a tentative vote. Touch Me Not looks most likely to capitalise should the market principals underperform.