2.40 BetVictor Champion Chase (Grade 1) 3m

Affordale Fury: Runner-up in the 2023 Albert Bartlett won a Galway beginners’ chase on his first start in this sphere that October, but absent for 438 days after hanging and jumping right on next start. Two solid starts in 2025 since, including last time over a likely inadequate two and a half miles when second to Western Fold. Should appreciate getting back up to this trip but does require a clear career-best effort.

Envoi Allen: Tremendous stalwart is aiming for a 10th career Grade 1 success, and a third win in the space of four runnings of this event. Not entitled to be getting any better at his age of 11, but yard can get them ready off a break in this type of company (as shown with Heart Wood recently) and he’s still a class act. Won’t want heavy rain.

Flash Collonges: Bought for £6,000 in May and no fireworks on sole start for new yard when tailed off in a Downpatrick handicap hurdle off 114. Would be a shock if he’s fighting out the finish.

Found A Fifty: Vote of confidence in his claims that Jack Kennedy has sided with him, though perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise given he’s the highest-rated runner in the line-up. Winner on his seasonal reappearance at this meeting twice in the last two years, and ended last season with a smart performance to beat Saint Sam in Grade 2 company at Fairyhouse. Big unknown is the trip - he’s never raced over further than two and a half miles under rules. Trainer should have a fair handle on the type of horse required to win this race, given he’s seeking a record-extending sixth win in the space of 13 runnings.

Spillane’s Tower: Dual Grade 1-winning novice chaser started his season with a superb effort when second to Fact To File in the John Durkan (with Galopin Des Champs and Fastorslow just behind), but campaign didn’t quite unfold as might have been hoped from there. Perhaps found the ground too lively in the King George at Kempton when safely held behind in fifth, and then wasn’t seen again until the Punchestown Gold Cup when left in Galopin Des Champs’ wake. We were left with the impression we didn’t see the best of him by any means then. Big chance if ready enough on return from a break but possible he’ll be trained to progress from this.

Stellar Story: Strong stayer has saved his best for the Cheltenham Festival in the last two years, winning the Albert Bartlett in 2024 and runner-up in the 2025 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase. Tough ask on ratings but may still be on the up in this sphere. Does lack a recent run, however.

Western Fold: Exquisitely campaigned this season, winning a beginners’ chase, the Mayo National, Galway Plate and Gowran Champion Chase in his last four starts. That core of fitness from recent months should be a big asset to him now preparing for his biggest test yet. Rating of 157 leaves him 8lb short of Found A Fifty, 6lb behind Spillane’s Tower and 5lb off Envoi Allen but still entitled to be on the up as an improving young chaser in an open race.

Fitness and readiness will play a big role in this, especially with up to 24mm of rain due between declarations and race time. Gordon Elliott knows exactly what it takes to win this and Found A Fifty will be a threat to all if managing to stay this far. He’s got plenty of experience and a bit of tactical speed from shorter distances, while slower ground wouldn’t inconvenience him. Envoi Allen is fully respected, and this race mightn’t be as deep on paper as other renewals he’s won. Backing a horse soon set to turn 12 in a Grade 1 isn’t for everyone, though. Spillane’s Tower is worth a market check on his return, and the rain will be in his favour, while it would unwise to suggest that Western Fold has definitely reached his ceiling yet.