3.00 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (Grade 1) 2m 3f 150yd
Fact To File: Disappointing when last seen over two miles but otherwise consistent at the top level last season, with this race one of two Grade 1 wins. Little reason to doubt his chances of landing back-to-back runnings.
Fastorslow: 2023 winner has been absent since finishing fourth in this 12 months ago. Three-time Grade 1 winner is expected to come on for the run.
Gaelic Warrior: Difficult to find a negative in this multiple Grade 1 winner, who has conquered various trips and ground. If you’re picking holes, he progressed through last season, so perhaps he’ll come here with a long-term plan in mind.
Grangeclare West: Outran his odds in the Aintree Grand National when third to Nick Rockett, and in the Irish Gold Cup when runner-up to Galopin Des Champs. However, he wasn’t consistent last season – pulled up in this last year.
Heart Wood: In the lower end of the ratings here but has the benefit of a recent run when landing a Grade 3 at this track last month.
I Am Maximus: Grand National winner and runner-up doesn’t figure highly for Closutton in this and may be a stronger hope later in the season.
Inothewayurthinking: 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero is J.P. McManus’ second string based on jockey bookings. Best with more of a stamina test and generally peaks later in the season.
James Du Berlais: Grade 3 winner here at the end of last season but looks out of his depth in this.
Lecky Watson: This is a major step up for last season’s Grade 1-winning novice as he takes on his elders for the first time.
Nick Rockett: It will be interesting to see if this 2025 Grand National hero remains at Grade 1 level this season or follows the path of the 2024 winner by returning to Aintree next year. Either way, he’s not expected to trouble the top fancies today.
Senecia: Won a Grade 2 at 50/1 in March. Bigger odds today for a reason.
Conclusion
This looks to be between Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior, two of Willie Mullins’ seven contenders, as he bids to extend his record to 11 wins in this race. Slight preference is for the former due to Gaelic Warrior taking a couple of runs to peak last season. Fastorslow, the 2023 winner of this race and now a nine-year-old, is next on the shortlist.