2.10 Ladbrokes Dublin Chase (Grade 1) 2m 1f

Energumene: Nine lengths behind Found A Fifty in the Hilly Way last month – his first start of the season. Expected to improve considerably but this 12-year-old is not the force of old.

Found A Fifty: Firmer ground a possible excuse for his well-beaten fourth-placed effort here at Christmas. While he may not have the class of some of these, the conditions here will play to his favour more than most.

Majborough: Unpredictable but talented, he’s quite a short price considering he has yet to win in open company. First-time cheekpieces may help his concentration for less erratic jumping.

Marine Nationale: Dual Grade 1-winning chaser will strip fitter following his half-length second to Solness on his seasonal return, but is a slightly surprising declaration considering connections’ concerns regarding heavy ground.

Senecia: Over a year since career-best third to Found A Fifty in the Fortria Chase, but it’s the only performance in 19 chase starts to suggest he could be up to featuring here.

Solness: Three-time Grade 1 winner over course and distance, including twice against Marine Nationale. Last month’s win came on his first start of the season and he’s entitled to improve, but the heavy ground damages his chances.

Conclusion

There are question marks over the market leaders – the testing ground is a worry for Marine Nationale and Solness, while Majborough’s inconsistent jumping is a bigger issue now that he’s in open company. This combination of factors leads the door open to a bigger priced rival, favouring Found A Fifty whose suitability for these conditions could override the others’ class.