Metcollect Handicap Chase

Different proposition when comfortably landing a 6-runner maiden at Down Royal on chasing/stable debut in May. Found things too hot in Grade 3 at Galway festival subsequently. Back in calmer waters with first-time cheekpieces added on return and opening mark looks potentially handy.

Fairly useful sort from a good yard. Best of his 4 chase starts when runner-up in novice at Wexford in June. Market foretold a poor run at Listowel last time (perhaps needed the run after 8 weeks away) and still relatively early days in handicaps.

Gambled on when a tired faller on chasing debut at Kilbeggan (2½m). Showed no ill-effects/again finished stronger than previously when winning a Fairyhouse maiden under a more controlled ride (2m) latest. Opening mark demands more again, though he could hardly be in better hands.

In-form 7-y-o who has his jumping in better order this season. Fairly useful effort when making it 2 wins from 4 starts in 2026 at Tramore last time. May need a good bit more again to defy a 7 lb rise in stronger company.

Three-time hurdle winner. Advanced his form when placing in 3 consecutive maiden chases this spring. Did plenty wrong on a couple of starts subsequently, though, now returning 3 months on from an x-rated fall at Wexford.

Wexford maiden hurdle winner for Joseph O'Brien last summer. Matched that form/left behind a lacklustre effort when off the mark for current yard in novice chase at Cork last time. Potentially well treated back in a handicap if he can replicate that form.

Opened his account over fences in handicap at Ballinrobe last month. No surprise to see cheekpieces refitted, having been off the bridle much earlier than usual at Cork (2¼m) latest. Has probably done his winning for the time being.

Made all over hurdles here in April. Similar form when hitting the frame in back-to-back races at Downpatrick over the summer. Latest well-beaten fourth in a maiden at the same track has to go down as a lesser effort. Another who's perhaps had the edge taken off him.

Veteran who turned in her best effort of the current campaign when 12 lengths behind Farrokh at Tramore earlier this month. Had no chance at the weights at Clonmel since and still has a fair bit to find from out of the weights back in handicap company.