4.00 STAN JAMES

IRISH GOLD CUP CHASE

3M 60YDS

Carlingford Lough: Has pounced late to win the last two runnings of this race and those wins are among five top flight victories for this admirable gelding. A recent return over hurdles at Navan was encouraging and another bold showing looks entirely possible but he might just be vulnerable to a couple of his younger rivals.

Don Poli: Carried all before him as a novice chaser when his victories took in Cheltenham’s RSA Chase. Ran some honourable races in defeat last term as well as winning the Lexus over this course and distance and comes here off a back to form second in the latest edition of Lexus. That last run would suggest another strong challenge should be in the offing.

Empire Of Dirt: Has been sparingly campaigned over the last year but comes here chasing a four-timer having won the Leopardstown Chase, a Cheltenham Festival handicap and, most recently, when he defied top-weight to win the Troytown Chase off 148. A near three-month absence is no concern for a horse who goes well fresh and the manner of his high-profile handicap triumphs suggest that he is well worth his place at this level.

Minella Rocco: Stamina is this one’s forte as he showed when beating Native River in the four-mile at Cheltenham last year and when returning to that track to run very well in a long distance handicap in November. Was in the process of running a fine race when exiting at the last in an Aintree conditions’ chase won by Many Clouds two months ago and it’s very interesting to see that he is sent over to content this prize. A stiffer test could suit better but he isn’t one to discount.

More Of That: Defeated Annie Power to land the 2014 Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on just his fifth career start. Hasn’t quite matched those heights over fences although he did run with credit to finish third in last season’s RSA Chase. A sixth to Outlander in the Lexus Chase here in December represented a step in the right direction but a significant progression will be required if he is to challenge for top honours here.

Road To Riches: Former dual Grade 1 scorer and Cheltenham Gold Cup third who has been trying to recapture his best since pulling-up in the Galway Plate in July. He didn’t run at all badly when eighth in the Lexus last time and substantial improvement is expected for this outing. A return to anything like his best would make him a big player.

Sizing John: Has had the misfortune to encounter Douvan on seven occasions in recent seasons but this should not detract from his standing as a high-class chaser and he looked to relish the step up in trip when beating Sub Lieutenant in a Grade 3 at Thurles last month. This distance represents a step into the unknown but his last effort was encouraging in this regard and if he lasts home he will be closely involved.

Zabana: Very classy sort on decent ground as he showed when winning a 3m Grade 1 at Punchestown last April and he ran with credit for a long way before eventually finishing seventh to Outlander in the Lexus on his most recent start. Remains capable of further high profile success over fences but a career best will probably be needed if he is to emerge victorious here.

VERDICT

Empire Of Dirt is moving from handicaps into Grade 1 company so this is a major rise in the class. However, three high-profile handicap wins in succession point to his ability to hold his own at this level. Sizing John is stepping into the unknown in terms of this trip but if his stamina holds up he will mount a strong challenge. Don Poli and Minella Rocco are a pair of thorough stayers who both have the capacity to show up well.