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

Captain Guinness: Looked to have one of his best chances yet to win a first Grade 1 at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival but was unable to take advantage, bombing out when pulled up and found to be clinically abnormal post race. Now 0-12 in Grade 1 company and this looks a tougher test with the presence of El Fabiolo.

El Fabiolo: Sets the standard in the two-mile chasing division with reigning champion Energumene on the sidelines this season. Wasn’t the stable’s first string at this meeting last year when winning the Irish Arkle, followed by a comprehensive win in the equivalent race at Cheltenham. Got his season off to a winning start in the Hilly Way and had been due to run in the Clarence House against Jonbon last month only for that race to be abandoned. Should take all the beating now rerouted here.

Gentleman De Mee: Always better in the spring than winter so there was some encouragement to take from his seasonal comeback when a seven-and-a-half-length second to Dinoblue here at the Christmas Festival. More on his plate now with El Fabiolo in the house, but bound to have improved from last time and caused an upset when winning this race 12 months ago. Could give Dinoblue a real challenge for the minor money.

Saint Roi: No joy in seven starts since Grade 1 win here in December 2022. Decent fourth in the Dan and Joan Moore Handicap Chase last time at Fairyhouse off a mark of 151 and it might be that the best of him is seen in that type of race going forward. Worth watching with a possible view to the Grand Annual at Cheltenham.

Dinoblue: Improving mare who is seeking a fifth win on the bounce after readily notching a breakthrough success in Grade 1 company at the Christmas Festival here last time, beating Gentleman De Mee in the Paddy’s Rewards Chase. Could still have more to come but this looks by far her toughest assignment against El Fabiolo. Already no bigger than 6/4 favourite for the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham.

Conclusion:

Despite the fact it’s not ideal he had to miss a target he was being wound up for recently, it’s tough to look beyond El Fabiolo. He’s the class act of this division and can lead home a clean sweep of the places for Willie Mullins, whose Gentleman De Mee can give Dinoblue a real test for the minor honours.