| No. |
|
Selection |
Form |
|
Guide |
|
|
|
- Banbridge
- J J Slevin / J P O'brien
|
|
170
|
18/1 |
Banbridge
Enjoyed his favoured good ground when beating Il Est Francais in last year's King George; proved unsuited to the stamina test presented by the Cheltenham Gold Cup; struggled again in the Punchestown Gold Cup; ran a fine race up to the point of his exit at the last in this race last year; in contrast to 12 months ago, no prep race this time; ground conditions against him.
|
|
|
|
- Majborough
- Mark Walsh / W P Mullins
|
|
167
|
4/6 |
Majborough
Won 2024 Triumph Hurdle; top-class 2m novice chaser last season, won the Arkle at Leopardstown by 9l; blundered severely at the last two fences when third in the Arkle at Cheltenham, rallying well in the closing stages; romped home at Punchestown, despite jumping sharply to the left at the last two fences; has huge potential if the flaws in his technique can be ironed out.
|
|
|
|
- Energumene
- Paul Townend / W P Mullins
|
|
169
|
4/1 |
Energumene
A leader of the 2m division in his prime, twice winner of the Champion Chase (2022 and 2023); won this race in 2021 and 2022 and produced a lively display to beat Dinoblue here 12 months ago after a year and a half off; no match for Jonbon at Ascot and folded tamely in the Champion Chase; ground too quick when third in the Celebration Chase; at the veteran stage now.
|
|
|
|
- Found A Fifty
- Jack Kennedy / G Elliott
|
|
171
|
10/3 |
Found A Fifty
Started last season with wins at Grade 2 level at Down Royal and in the Fortria at Navan; last of five finishers in the Champion Chase before landing 2m4f Grade 2 Fairyhouse contest; never involved over 3m in Down Royal Grade 1 on reappearance; left that form behind with a fine victory over Dinoblue back at 2m in the Fortria, has race fitness on his side.
|
|
|
|
- Ad Caelum
- Danny Mullins / J P Ryan
|
|
141
|
300/1 |
Ad Caelum
Experienced four-time hurdles winner; second in small-field mares' chases at Sligo and Clonmel in October; unplaced in two more recent outings; flying very high here.
|
