TimeformBlog

Gift of Dgab was a useful hurdler, and created good impression when winning maiden at Limerick (barely off bridle) by 17 lengths on chasing debut, making all. Can do better, but this is not easy under a penalty.

Invictus was a fairly useful hurdler (lightly raced), and most impressive after a break when winning novice handicap by 11 lengths at Hereford on chasing debut last month, jumping impeccably. One to follow.

Ballinhassig has been in frame 2 of 5 starts in points last year, but little impact in novice hurdles/chases, and impossible to make a case for in this line-up after a 10-month break.

Maringo Bay was lightly raced over hurdles, winning over this trip in February. Similar form when close third of 3 in novice sole start over fences, and does get weight here from top 2, but likely more needed.

Indian Daudaie was just about best of these over hurdles, second in Group 1 in France and fourth in 2½m handicap at Cheltenham for present connections. Disappointing on return, but highly respected here on chase bow.

Timeform 1-2-3
1 Invictus
2 Indian Daudaie
3 Gift Of Dgab

Timeform Verdict: A thick line can be drawn through Ballinhassig, but the other 4 must all be considered. Indian Daudaie was just about the best of these over hurdles, and is clearly of interest receiving plenty of weight, but Invictus couldn't have jumped better when impressive on his recent chasing bow and is just preferred even under a penalty.

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