3.05 Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup (Grade 1) 3m

Any Second Now: Admirable veteran who finished a cracking second in last year’s Randox Grand National makes a rare appearance in a Grade 1. Official mark of 162 means he’s fully entitled to take his chance as the third-highest rated runner in the line-up, though, and time has proven that trying to give 12lb to Noble Yeats at Aintree last spring was a most unenviable task. Appears versatile in terms of the ground and not a major shock if he finishes closest to Galopin Des Champs.

Franco De Port: Didn’t run badly here last time when fourth behind Conflated, Kemboy and Fury Road in the Savills Chase. However, has yet to win outside of novice company over fences and is the lowest-rated runner in this event with a mark of 157. Would be a surprise winner.

Fury Road: Sole runner in the race for Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown House Stud, who have combined to win two of the last three Irish Gold Cups. Should have conditions in his favour and ran encouragingly enough to a point when third in the Savills Chase last time. Unlikely he’ll be good enough to lower the colours of an on-song Galopin Des Champs, but could represent some value in the betting-without markets.

Galopin Des Champs: Arguably the most exciting chaser in Britain or Ireland. His only blip in an otherwise flawless first season over fences last term came when tipping up at the final fence with the race at his mercy in the Turners Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham. Showed signs that he may have matured with age when settling well on his way to winning the John Durkan Memorial Chase by 13 lengths on his seasonal reappearance at Punchestown. Now makes his first start at three miles over fences but has already excelled over this trip over hurdles. Easily the one to beat.

Kemboy: Winner of this race in 2021 and proved he still retains a fair amount of his old ability when finishing closest to Conflated in the Savills Chase at Christmas. Often saves his best for this track, posting two wins, four seconds and a close third from nine Leopardstown appearances. Looks a shade vulnerable to an up-and-coming sort like Galopin Des Champs, though.

Stattler: Boasts a relatively attractive profile for an assignment like this, now in his second season over fences and fit from an encouraging second behind Minella Indo on his comeback at Tramore on New Year’s Day. Possibly wouldn’t be helped by drying ground, though, and is largely untested in this type of company. The handicapper views him as likelist to finish second to Galopin Des Champs.

The Big Dog: In the form of his life this season, rattling off back-to-back wins in the Munster National and Troytown Chase before a cracking third in the Welsh National. This a much different test on likely quicker ground than those assignments, but entitled to be competitive on ratings with most rivals (barring Galopin Des Champs).

Conclusions

Galopin Des Champs is officially rated 12lb superior of his nearest rival on ratings and should take all the beating on route to a tilt at the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Competition for the minor money will be strong, with Any Second Now and Fury Road potentially representing a bit of value from a place perspective.