3:30 Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup (Grade 1) 3m

Anibale Fly: Emergence as a top-grade staying chaser came over this course and distance with Paddy Power Chase win in 2017 and he has since placed twice in two Gold Cups and run huge races off big weights in two Grand Nationals. However he has been absolute no-show on both starts this term and best watched today, with a return to Aintree perhaps a higher priority for connections.

Bellshill: Last year’s winner and won’t at all be inconvenienced on this drying ground. A little disappointing on his seasonal debut when a well held seventh in the Savills Chase but can step forward from that, which a lot of horses from his stable have been doing. Worth remembering Ruby Walsh picked him for the Gold Cup last year, and this talented gelding should not be ruled out.

Cadmium: Consistent at Grade 2 and Grade 3 level last season until powering to Topham Chase win off a mark of 152, suggesting he could step up to the top level. No show on his seasonal debut behind A Plus Tard in Grade 1 two-mile-one-furlong chase but should strip fitter now and step up to this trip could suit very well. Up against it, but it would be no surprise to see him run well.

Chris’s Dream: Promising novice chaser early last season until disappointing in Grade 1s at Aintree and Punchestown. Left that behind him with smooth performance in Troytown Chase, much the best there off a mark of 146. More needed at Grade 1 level now, but has the scope to improve again on just seventh chase start. Connections will hope sufficient rain arrives tonight.

Delta Work: Last year’s top Irish novice once again came on markedly from his seasonal debut to win the Savills Chase over this course and distance at Christmas. A lot to like about that performance considering the stop-start pace, and that he came from the rear of the field with a power-packed finish. A few in behind may be better set tomorrow, but he remains progressive himself, with just seven starts over fences and rock solid form around this course.

Jett: Has 26 starts over fences, but in the form of his life this season, scoring surprise win off very unfavourable weight terms in Grade 3 Irish Daily Star Chase at Punchestown. No match for Douvan over two and a half miles but ran well for a long way in Savills Chase here at Christmas, leading into the straight before giving away late on. With no Monalee this time, he could get an easy lead, and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if he was able to sneak a place in the top three.

Kemboy: Lept forward last season with three Grade 1 wins, the first coming over this course and distance in the Savills Chase, before he fell early in the Cheltenham Gold Cup but then scored impressively at Aintree and Punchestown. Beat Al Boum Photo at Punchestown which strongly suggests he was the best three-mile chaser around last term. Messy start to the season after Supreme Racing scandal robbed him a chance of a prep run before Savills Chase title defence but was still a little disappointing there with a notably awkward jumping performance. Better can be expected today.

Presenting Percy: Mess of a season last year, running only twice, and only once over fences, in the Gold Cup itself. Brilliant novice chaser the year before and showed promise with a comeback third to Min in the John Durkan Chase. However, for all he looked to be given a little bit much to do here in the Savills Chase, still looked disappointing in fifth and you’d have to wonder if he can get back to his very best.

La Bague Au Roi: Dual Grade 1 winner last season and probably a little underrated considering she beat RSA Chase one-two Santini and Topofthegame fair and square over three miles in the Kauto Star Novices Chase. Also won over two miles, five furlongs at this festival so you know she handles the track. Probably below that level on her previous two starts, third on both, but interesting now coming back to three miles. Not ruled out.

Conclusion

Delta Work did very well to win here at Christmas but Kemboy, with a run under his belt, could be a different proposition today. With no Monalee around, he should be able to dictate, and that is a significant aspect to this race.