2.05 Bar 1 Betting Drinmore

Novice Chase (Grade 1) 2m 4f 55yd

Captain Cody: Scottish Grand National winner over four miles when last seen under a canny ride from Harry Cobden (aboard again now for his only ride today). Concern whether he’ll be effective enough at such a short trip but chasing experience will stand him in good stead.

Gold Dancer: Well campaigned this season, winning a Tipperary beginners’ chase and two Grade 3s at Galway and Tipperary. Has a chasing experience edge over Romeo Coolio, but that rival was considerably better over hurdles.

Ol Man Dingle: Improved from 108 to 139 over hurdles last season, and really catching fire over fences now; winning his first two starts in this sphere (including a Cork Grade 3 earlier this month). This is by far his biggest test, however.

Pied Piper: Didn’t run badly the last twice over trips that are probably further than ideal, but looks more exposed than most of these.

Romeo Coolio: Champion Bumper runner-up at Cheltenham in 2024 and a Grade 1-winning novice hurdler last season, also placing in the Supreme and an Aintree Grade 1. Made a pleasing introduction to fences when winning a beginners’ chase at Down Royal as 4/6 favourite last month, though his test was reduced with four fences being omitted. Runner-up Koktail Divin, beaten 14 lengths at Down Royal, finished second in the Florida Pearl Novice Chase last weekend.

Raffles Dolce Vita: Would be a shock winner after 26-length defeat in a Naas beginners’ chase last time.

Conclusion

Already third favourite for the Arkle (7/1 to 10/1), Romeo Coolio will be expected to deliver the goods in a race that doesn’t have immense depth, albeit he has considerably less chasing experience than most. Gold Dancer, race-fit from a summer campaign, looks poised to give him most to think about.