Matchbook Betting Exchange Chase (Grade 3)

Off time: 16:30 | Winning time: 5m 58.80s

Apple's Of Bresil^t²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Sean Flanagan| T: B Connell| OR: 128

10/3

A bumper and maiden hurdle winner in 2024 who has been lightly raced since but made a swift impact over fences when landing a 10-runner maiden at Kilbeggan by 10 lengths and matched that form when chasing home Ocastle Des Mottes in novice at Listowel last time. Steps up in grade and trip.

Form: 312/0-12

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Croke Park^p¹⁸⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 148

7/2

Dual Grade 1 winner as a novice but didn't kick on in open company last season, ending the season with a couple of disappointing handicap efforts. Has twice won off the back of similar breaks, though, and dangerous if allowed the run of things.

Form: 7/33300-

Gorgeous Tom⁷⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Darragh O'Keeffe| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 152| C

4/6

Hasn't won nearly 2 years but ran some fine races in defeat last season and shaped well when 1¼ lengths third of 22 to King Alexander at Galway Plate in September. Sets the standard on that effort and will be tough to beat if running to a similar level here.

Form: 4/2450-3

Smallcraftwarning^t⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: Daniel King| T: J P Ryan| OR: 100| BF| D

40/1

Thriving sort who has won 3 of his last 4 handicap hurdles, producing a career best when landing a 3m event at Gowran earlier this month. Posted a fine effort when 3¾ lengths second Pourquoi Poi back over fences at Fairyhouse 4 days ago. This represents a big step up in grade, though.

Form: 134112

Forecasts

Gorgeous Tom (4/6), Apple's Of Bresil (10/3), Croke Park (7/2), Smallcraftwarning (40/1)

GORGEOUS TOM is a consistent sort who shaped well when third in the Galway Plate in July and looks to have found a good opportunity to gain a first chase win since graduating from novice company. Croke Park is a smart performer on his day and feared most, particularly if allowed an easy lead, while Apple’s Of Bresil has taken well to chasing and remains with potential for better still now stepping back up in trip.