1
Bob Olinger
J:
Rachael Blackmore
T:
H de Bromhead
Form
2111-11
Age
10
Weight
11st 4lbs
OR
160
Forecast SP
5/6
2
El Barra
J:
Mr P W Mullins
T:
W P Mullins
Form
211-231
Age
11
Weight
11st 4lbs
OR
143
Forecast SP
20/1
3
Galopin Des Champs
J:
P Townend
T:
W P Mullins
Templegate's Tip
Form
P611-11
Age
9
Weight
11st 4lbs
OR
164
Forecast SP
11/10
4
Busselton
J:
J J Slevin
T:
Joseph P O'Brien
Form
131124
Age
8
Weight
11st 2lbs
OR
137
Forecast SP
33/1
PreviewsThis race always had the makings of a special head-to-head once Willie Mullins decided to target this contest rather than the Brown Advisory with his star novice chaser GALOPIN DES CHAMPS. Last year's Martin Pipe winner has looked a complete natural over the larger obstacles with a brace of successes at Leopardstown, including a Grade 1 at the Dublin Racing Festival. Bob Olinger was the better of these two over hurdles, having bolted up in last year's Ballymore, but Henry De Bromhead's crack novice hasn't looked quite so natural over fences, despite winning comfortably at both Gowran Park and Punchestown this season. With just the four runners, it is likely that Paul Townend will make this a test from the front, and his mount's guaranteed stamina could be what sways the verdict up the Cheltenham hill. El Barra got off the mark over fences at Limerick on Sunday and he is most likely to pick up the pieces if the aforementioned pair falter.
Templegate's Tip
Galopin Des Champs
Galopin Des ChampsHas looked top class since going over fences.