6.40 Punchestown
Ryanair Novice Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1) (5YO plus)
Winner €68,200
Advice: 2 pts win Balder Succes (11/4 general), 1 pt win
Felix Yonger (7/1 general)
Arnaud: Solid and consistent front runner this season, but
stamina gave out in Grade 2 against Valdez at Doncaster and field swallowed him
up in handicap at Aintree latest; Hard to see him lasting out in front again
here and others’ preffered. 
Balder Succes: Always shaped as a better chaser and after
couple of early blips, has since been flawless, winning Grade 2 chases at
Warwick and Kempton in fine style before slamming the opposition (Trifilolum
and two others reopposing included) in Maghull novices at Aintree latest; Major
player here.
Champagne Fever: Winner here in Bumper 2 years ago but
disappointed (well over the top) in Evening Herald Novice Chase last year;
Since gone chasing, an easy winner on debut before atoning for Christmas
disappointment with fantastic Arkle run, doing everything but win as he was
claimed on the line late; Obvious contender to atone for disappointment here. 
Felix Yonger: Has been disappointing since trashing
Trifolium but ground been against him twice and didn’t get into the race or see
out his effort properly over 2m4f at Cheltenham latest; Last time he had 2
miles on good ground, he gave 4lbs and a 15 length beating to Trifolium, and
returned to those conditions, fine chance today.
God’s Own: Made into a fair novice chaser, but well behind
Arnaud and Balder Succes the last twice and no reason for that to be changing
now. 
Moscow Mannon: Third to promising Un De Sceaux here last
year as hurdler and just as good as a chaser, although he was swiped aside by
Balder Success latest and no reason for reversal of that form. 
Ted Veale: Presumably being lined up at a handicap but 0-5
over fences and well beaten behind many of today’s contenders. 
Trifololium: Consistent and honest prominent racer who had
day in the sun when streaking away for Irish Arkle win, revelling in heavy
conditions and never in danger of being caught once hitting the front; Ran with
credit at Cheltenham and Aintree although no reason why he should reverse form
with either of the top rated pairing today and jumped very poorly last time.
VERDICT: It is no surprise to see Champagne Fever as
favourite following his close Arkle second but he is not guaranteed an easy
time of things at the front and is arguably racing around a speedier track than
Cheltenham which is not encouraging for a type who, while staying so well, was
unable to get away from the field in the Arkle. This longer straight may suit
him but he could be vulnerable to the speed of BALDER SUCCES, who bypassed
Cheltenham but would have gone close at Cheltenham based on his deeply
impressive Mahgull Novice Chase win and may have the speed edge on the Arkle
runner up today. The value in the race possibly lies with FELIX YONGER, back at
this trip on good ground for the first time since December.
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