1.10 Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase (Grade 1) 2m 1f

Andy Dufresne: Lightly raced eight-year-old but seems to be just behind Grade 1 level, as his comeback run showed when third to Captain Guinness in the Fortria. Will be fitter now but although this isn’t the strongest renewal, he has plenty to prove.

Blue Lord: Emerged as a top-class novice chaser last term, winning twice at the top level, including at this course and distance, though he was rated a somewhat fortuitous winner on the day. Fair effort to beat Tornado Flyer when upped in trip for his seasonal debut, but interesting he reverts back to two miles now.

Captain Guinness: Good start to the season when travelling and jumping well to claim Fortria Chase but then missed an intended run in the Tingle Creek (had been third in that race last season). As of yet, he hasn’t convinced at Grade 1 level, having been beaten 17 lengths by Chacun Pour Soi over this course and distance last season.

Chacun Pour Soi: Four wins from five runs at Leopardstown, all in Grade 1s, and looked as good as ever here in February when defeating a similarly weak looking field. Luckless run abroad continued when unseating in Champion Chase but would have struggled to beat Energumene in any case, which was more or less confirmed at Punchestown. He’s 10 now, but doesn’t have many miles on the clock and though there is a slight worry about race fitness, he’s still one to beat.

Couer Sublime: Looked just below the top bracket as a novice chaser last term though he was just a head away from Blue Lord in a Grade 1 at Punchestown. That form may not be trustworthy and though he was unlucky to fall at the last in the Poplar Square Chase, he wasn’t a certain winner against Jeremy’s Flame.

Gentleman De Mee: Emerged from left field to take Grade 1 at Aintree last April, taking the big scalp of Edwardstone and marking himself down as a top prospect for this season. So far, that has failed to materialise in his two runs although he was much better than his seasonal debut at Naas (was going to be well held by Couer Sublime) when fourth in the Tingle Creek. Improved as the season went on last term, so don’t give up on him just yet.

Jeremys Flame: Solid mare with six wins, the latest of which came in Poplar Square Chase at Naas which was somewhat lucky given she was left in the lead by the fall of Couer Sublime and tame effort of Gentleman De Mee in behind. This is a big step up now however, and even with her allowance, she has plenty to find.

Conclusion

Chacun Pour Soi is 10 going on 11 but he doesn’t have many miles on the clock and remains a serious operator at this course. It’s his first run of the season but it seems fair to assume he’ll be primed, given this is his best chance of winning another Grade 1. Blue Lord is respected, while Gentleman De Mee can also run well in what could be a Closutton benefit.