Bobbyjo Chase 2014

3.10 Fairyhouse

At The Races Bobbyjo Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner €26,000

Advice: 2 pts win Mount Benbulben (6/4 Ladbrokes)

Mount Benbulen: Not everything’s gone right for him chasing but no small amount of talent, as shown when destroying opposition in Grade 1 novice at Punchestown; Jumping issues plagued him so far this season, going out when well in the running on seasonal debut and then when still in contention for King George at Christmas (banked four out); Should go well here and be very hard to beat if he puts in a clear round.

Roi Du Mee: Going from the front saw him spring a surprise when landing the Champion Chase at Down Royal before but found wanting at Grade 1 level twice since; May be taken on at the head of affairs today although no doubting his talents and is aiming to win this race for the second year in a row.

Buckers’ Bridge: Hard to recommend him after not being able to land a blow in Leopardstown Chase off 147 latest and best to look elsewhere.

Lion Na Bernai: Irish Grand National winner in 2012 and very promising win over 2m5f here last time, defying veteran status and winning convincingly latest; Cheekpieces had a good effect there and should go well here; Can outrun odds by a long way.

Quito De la Roque: Classy act when at his best, previous Grade 1 winner and confirmed mudlark but retracting in Down Royal Champion Chase when falling and not shown much since; Look elsewhere.

Make A Track: Deeply impressive when 15 length winner of Tim Duggan Chase at Limerick off mark of 138 and flopped the next time; Better when only beaten 6 1/2l into seventh at Leopardstown latest but better calibre of horse here and hard to see him troubling principals.

On His Own: Talented, as wins in two of the last three Thyestes Chases show, and maybe best when going from the front, although there have been some notable disappointments, not least in two Grand Nationals; If in same form this time around, then has a fine chance here at weights and respected albeit upped in class.

VERDICT: An interesting renewal with Grand National clues a plenty if some turn up. Lion Na Bernai isn’t top of many people’s lists for that but his recent win seemed to suggest a horse invigorated by cheekpieces and at this distance he is far from the worst value bet either for today or April. But the class in the race is MOUNT BENBULBEN, who is going to take all the beating if staying on his feet and putting in a clear round, and he can beat On His Own and last year’s winner Roi Du Mee.