Could Paloma Blue become the next star to bag hot beginners' chase?

Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase (2.00)

There is no beginners' chase anywhere in Ireland or Britain with a more illustrious roll of honour.

Flemenstar (2011), Ballycasey (2013), Vautour (2014), Douvan (2015), Min (2016) and Al Boum Photo (2017) have all won it on the way to becoming Grade 1 winners over fences, so this year's winner has big boots to fill.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Paloma Blue acquired a rating of 149 over hurdles and his close-up fourth to Summerville Boy in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham is arguably the best piece of form on offer.

"Touch wood, he's schooling great and you'd hope chasing is what he's made for. He's a strong-galloping sort and I think chasing will suit him well," De Bromhead said.

Jetz was beaten a head in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Leopardstown in February and seemed to be travelling strongly when parting company with Robbie Power three out in a beginners chase over the same course and distance earlier this month.

Jessica Harrington said: "He was very unlucky in Navan last time, he looked to be coming to win his race so it very disappointing when he unseated Robert three out, but we’ve schooled him since and he’s been grand so hopefully he’s over that. He almost won a Grade 1 over hurdles so brings strong form to the race and I’m very hopeful."

Gordon Elliott is doubly-represented by Duca De Thaix and Roaring Bull.

Coolmore N.H. Sires Irish EBF Mares INH Flat Race

Six of the 11 runners were successful last time out so it is fair to assume this is a top-notch renewal of this Listed mares bumper.

The likely favourite is Yukon Lil who is already a winner at Listed level having scored at Gowran Park last month. She is one of two runners for Willie Mullins, who also runs Queens Boulevard, pulled-up in the aforementioned race.

Mullins said: "Yukon Lil will like the ground and she won a Listed at Gowran last time, Queens Boulevard disappointed in that race and had to be pulled up. The ground was probably too lively for her and, while it shouldn't be as quick this time, she would probably prefer more ease."

Like Mullins, Jessica Harrington also saddles two challengers in the shape of Emily Moon and Barrington Court.

"It probably wasn’t the strongest flat race Emily Moon won in Cork but she scored by six lengths and I think she has strengthened up over the summer. Her work has been good and she has a great pedigree, going right back to Best Mate.

"She does have a penalty to carry but I’m pretty hopeful that she can finish in the money and gain some valuable black type," Harrington said.

She added: "I really like Barrington Court and she ran some great races last season. She’s summered very well and has a lot of experience so I would expect her to run a huge race."

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