No Fastorslow this year so perhaps it'll be third time lucky in this race for GALOPIN DES CHAMPS. Banbridge is narrowly preferred to Spillane's Tower for the forecast spot.
Galopin Des Champs
Banbridge
Spillanes Tower
Win or Each Way
2. Galopin Des Champs
J: P. TownendT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
F: 111/23112-
Price History:
2.10
Age:
9
Weight:
11-10
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
175
Days Since Last Run:
47
Verdict
Top-class chaser. Course winner. Didn't seem quite himself when unable to complete a Cheltenham Gold Cup hat-trick last month but looked as good as ever at Leopardstown over the winter. Second to Fastorslow in the last 2 runnings of this. The one to beat.
4. Spillanes Tower
J: M. P. WalshT: James Joseph Mangan, Ireland
F: 41121/125-
Price History:
3.50
Age:
7
Weight:
11-10
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
164
Days Since Last Run:
125
Verdict
Top-class chaser who won the Champion Novice over C&D at this meeting last year. Improved again when second to Fact To File in John Durkan here on return in November but not at best when 17¼ lengths fifth of 11 to Banbridge in King George at Kempton in December. Off since.
1. Banbridge
J: J. J. SlevinT: Joseph Patrick O'Brien, Ireland
F: 19/14U17-
Price History:
3.75
Age:
9
Weight:
11-10
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
167
Days Since Last Run:
47
Verdict
Proved suited by the return to 3m when overhauling Il Est Francais in the King George at Kempton. Disappointing in the Cheltenham Gold Cup sincebut he did bounce back from a poor run at the Cheltenham Festival to win at this meeting last year.
3. Montys Star
J: Rachael BlackmoreT: Henry de Bromhead, Ireland
F: 312/2254-
Price History:
13.00
Age:
8
Weight:
11-10
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
159
Days Since Last Run:
47
Verdict
High-class chaser. Course winner. Creditable 19¼ lengths fourth of 9 to Inothewayurthinkin in Cheltenham Gold Cup at Cheltenham 47 days ago but Galopin Des Champs holds him on that form.