Barberstown Castle Novice Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 17:25 | Winning time: 4m 8.80s

Irish Panther^h⁵⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Kieren Buckley| T: E & P Harty| OR: 152| D

15/2

Has taken really well to fences, building on opening Navan success when ½-length second to Romeo Coolio in Grade 1 novice at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting. Swerved the Arkle for a sporting tilt at the Champion Chase but his jumping didn't hold up. Can make presence felt back in novice company.

Form: 03-1126

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Jacob's Ladder^p²⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 150| D

18/1

Much improved since fitted with cheekpieces, recording his third win over fences in Grade 3 novice at Navan. Just respectable fourth in Grade 1 at Fairyhouse since, however, and needs to raise his game kept to this level.

Form: 312114

Kopek Des Bordes^h⁵¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 161| D

4/11

Winner of the Supreme last season. Had just the one run over fences (cruised clear in a Navan maiden) prior to his second in the Arkle at Cheltenham, likely to have won had he jumped the last better. Superb chance of making amends.

Form: 1114-12

Pure Steel²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Mark Walsh| T: J J Mangan| OR: 145| CD

12/1

Won a couple of C&D novices this season and was looking very much at home stepped up to this level until unseating 3 out at Fairyhouse 25 days ago. Remains open to improvement.

Form: 1-3151U

Salvator Mundi^t¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: H Cobden| T: W P Mullins| OR: 149| BF| C| D

13/2

Won the Grade 1 Top Novices' Hurdle at Aintree 12 months ago. Has quickly matched that level of form sent chasing this season, easily making all in maiden at Thurles. However, failed to settle when second in Grade 1 novice at Aintree 19 days ago and needs to settle down.

Form: 12-2612

Forecasts

Kopek Des Bordes (4/11), Salvator Mundi (13/2), Irish Panther (15/2), Pure Steel (12/1), Jacob's Ladder (18/1)

KOPEK DES BORDES might have won the Arkle at Cheltenham on just his second start over fences had he jumped the last better and has an excellent chance of making amends. Irish Panther will be much more at home here having struggled against seasoned rivals in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Festival.