Pointers and trainer views as Min goes for a second Dublin Chase

Ladbrokes Dublin Chase (Grade 1) | 2m1f | ITV4/RTV/RTE2

Having breezed to victory in the inaugural running of the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase, Min seeks to keep his name as the only one on the roll of honour of a race now upgraded to Grade 1 status.

Twelve lengths separated Min from runner-up Simply Ned 12 months ago, and the Willie Mullins-trained star has since continued to perform at a high level, including when chasing home Altior in the Champion Chase, taking silver medal honours in the Melling Chase and securing his second top-flight success at Punchestown in December.

He now returns to Leopardstown as odds-on favourite for a contest owners Rich and Susannah Ricci are keen to win again.

The couple's racing manager Joe Chambers said: "We were delighted with his win in the John Durkan and his form last season behind Altior is there for all to see, while the run at Aintree over the intermediate trip with Politologue is also strong.

"We have options with him trip-wise but will see how we go on Saturday before deciding what to do after that. There are valuable and important races in their own right throughout the season and we shouldn't just think 'what race at Cheltenham' before and after every run.

"He's been in good form at home and worked well earlier in the week."

Calvados camp like look of Leopardstown

Saint Calvados is attempting to bag his second valuable Irish prize of the season.

On his reappearance run at Naas he enjoyed a convincing victory in a race in which Footpad was beaten when falling. A subsequent thumping by Altior was no disgrace, not least as trainer Harry Whittington believes there were genuine explanations for a solid but underwhelming effort.

Naas winner Saint Calvados is back in IrelandCredit: Patrick McCann

Whittington said: "The Tingle Creek was his first race going right-handed and Gavin said he was lugging left a lot. It also almost looked as though he would've appreciated better ground, which he's going to get at Leopardstown.

"We've freshened him up since the Tingle Creek and he couldn't be in better form. This run will tell us what we need to do next but we don't want to give him too many runs this season as he's still growing."

The growing days of Special Tiara are no doubt long since over but the veteran former Champion Chase hero is a popular addition to a field that has also attracted his Henry de Bromhead-trained stable companion Ordinary World and Castlegrace Paddy, third and fourth to Simply Ned last time.

Castlegrace Paddy's trainer Pat Fahy said: "He’s in brilliant form at home and I’m expecting a good run from him. The race has cut up a little, so that’ll help as well. He's a very good horse on his day.

"I walked the track on Friday. It’s good all over and I can’t find any yielding in it, but I’m happy for him to take his chance as it's safe."

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