1.35 BARONERACING.

COM DRINMORE NOVICE

CHASE (GRADE 1) 2M 4F

RTÉ 2

Blow By Blow: Grade 1 bumper winner who made an impressive chasing debut at Galway before just failing to cope with a step-up in class latest. Will need to brush up on his jumping if he is to go one better in this classy renewal.

Cadmium: Progressed from handicap grade to win a Grade 3 Chase at Punchestown in October. Overall form falls just short of the very best over fences so it would be somewhat of a surprise if he proved up to the task here.

Cubomania: Won seven times since joining the Gordon Elliott stable but unlikely to be adding to that record now. Finished behind a couple of these rivals already this season with no obvious reasons why he should overturn those formlines this afternoon.

Delta Work: Cheltenham winner in handicap grade before stepping up to finish second in Grade 1 novice hurdle at Punchestown Festival. Made a winning debut over fences at Down Royal last month and looks the one they all have to beat.

Discorama: A winner on his first outing over fences at Navan last month when jumping particularly well. Needs to improve on anything he has done previously but always gave the impression he would make a better chaser than hurdler.

Jetz: Course and distance winner over hurdles who was later placed at Grade 1 level. Unseated on his first outing over fences but showed no ill effects when winning next time at Navan.

Le Richebourg: Looks a leading contender here as he bids to maintain an unbeaten record over fences. Easily accounted for the opposition in a Grade 3 contest at Tipperary when last seen on the racecourse.

Minds Eye: Useful handicap hurdler last season who later went on to finish fourth in a Grade 1 Novice at Aintree. Beaten by an above average horse on his chasing debut at Galway, he went on better in an easier contest at Wexford last time.

Rashaan: Admirable type who has done connections proud over the years. Every chance he can get into the money here but might just find one or two possessing that bit too much class.

Dawn Shadow: Has held her own in listed/graded mares’ race in recent season and won nicely at Galway in October. Surprise if she is good enough to beat the principals in a race of this quality.

High Nellie: Looks up against it here on what she has achieved to date so will be a real shock if she proves good enough to get involved at the business end.

VERDICT

DELTA WORK was a genuine Grade 1 horse over hurdles and looked every bit as good on his chasing debut. He should have the class to take high rank in the novice division this year and develop into an RSA contender. Le Richebourg easily accounted for lesser rivals last time but has a touch of class about him.