Fast and furious heat in store as Andalusa bids to follow up impressive win

Ballymore Group Irish EBF Kilbegnet Novice Chase (Grade 3) | 2m½f | RTV

As is usually the case with two-mile novice chases, there are a few horses in the field who like to go hard and fast from flagfall, not least Andalusa, who looked good at Listowel last week.

Willie Mullins' improving grey looks the obvious starting point. She could not have been any more impressive on nice ground at Listowel, where she jumped for fun up front and made decent horses look ordinary.

If she can put in a similar round here she would be difficult to beat, but she will need to overcome a quick turnaround and competition for the lead.

Henry de Bromhead is famed for his handling of two-mile chasers and has won two of the past six renewals of this. He is represented by Benruben.

The seven-year-old has been around a couple of stables before winning second time up for De Bromhead at Killarney. He comes here fresh and well and will be suited by the race conditions.

Play The Game won well at Listowel last week and is another potential pace angle, but John McConnell's charge does not have to go from the front and can just as easily take a lead.

Polished Steel is already a Grade 3 winner following his cosy victory at the Galway festival, but giving weight to his six rivals won't be ideal.

If there is a horse capable of settling off what's likely to be a frenetic early pace and play his hand late, it's Razoul.

A 130-rated hurdler, Razoul has won and been second in two chase starts and arrives here off the back of a solid run over hurdles. He may play his cards late but could be the joker in the pack.

Convara is another last-time-out winner, while Stormey doesn't appear to hold any realistic chance.

What they say

John McConnell, trainer of Play The Game
We were very happy with his round of jumping at Listowel and decided we'd take a chance here. If he puts in a similar round he'd have a chance. It's a tactical affair and there looks to be plenty of pace on. He doesn't need to lead.

Ray Cody, trainer of Razoul
The race looks like it will suit us. There are a few there that look like they want to make it and we'd be hopeful of picking up the pieces. I actually really fancy my lad. On his hurdles form, I think he's one of the best in the race and I think he's better again over fences. If he gets into a good rhythm he won't be far away and the tactics of the race should play to his strengths.

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