Paddy Power Chase: key quotes and insight for one of Ireland's biggest handicaps

Tuesday: 3.00 Leopardstown
Paddy Power Chase (Grade B handicap) | 3m | 5yo+ (0-150) | RTE2/RTV/

Renowned as one of the toughest handicap chases in the Irish calendar, the Paddy Power Chase has seen just one winning favourite across the last 17 runnings.

Another tricky puzzle looks in store, but punters are often well rewarded for solving this 28-runner conundrum, with four of the last five winners returning at double-figure prices.

Of the last 11 winners, eight have shouldered 10st 11lb or less, though 2020 topweight Castlebawn West proved that class can prevail in the right circumstances.

Donkey Years, a safely-held third behind subsequent Troytown winner The Big Dog in the Munster National, rates a dangerous player off just 10st 11lb and has the assistance of JP McManus' retained rider Mark Walsh.

He has nine lengths to find with the Henry de Bromhead-trained Ain't That A Shame on their Limerick running, but Donkey Years is now 7lb better off.

Ain't That A Shame (left): made a costly error at the final fence in the Munster National when just denied by The Big Dog (right)

Noel Meade struck with School Boy Hours in last season's Paddy Power and commands respect again this time around with the useful Diol Ker and particularly Farceur Du Large, a decisive handicap chase winner at Punchestown last month.

Panda Boy could ultimately prove a fair deal better than his mark of 136 for the shrewd Martin Brassil but lacks chasing experience as he heads into his fourth start over fences.

Mr Incredible, formerly trained by Henry de Bromhead, is one of nine possible runners for Willie Mullins on his debut for the champion trainer. He may prove a massive player if belatedly delivering on his early promise.

What they say

Paul Townend, rider of Ciel De Neige
We have top weight but he has a touch of class. He's probably never fulfilled the potential he showed as a younger horse but has a bit more experience now.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Battleoverdoyen, Death Duty and Defi Bleu
Battleoverdoyen is gradually coming down the weights and hopefully can run a nice race if finding some of his old form. Death Duty ran well [when fifth] in this race last year. I thought he stuck at it well [to finish third] in the Troytown. Defi Bleu hasn't always been the most consistent but is capable of a good performance when on his A-game.

Enjoy D'Allen (near): bids to go two places better than his effort in last year's Paddy Power ChaseCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Ciaran Murphy, trainer of Enjoy D'Allen
He ran a cracker when third in the race last year so hopefully he can give another good account. He seems in good form and should appreciate getting back over fences.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Early Doors and A Wave Of The Sea
Early Doors probably needs to find a bit of form again but is in good shape. He goes there fit and well so we're hoping he can take a step back in the right direction. Similarly A Wave Of The Sea is well and in good nick but needs to come back to a bit of form.

Noel Meade, trainer of Diol Ker and Farceur Du Large
Diol Ker will probably want as much rain as there is around for him to be at his best. He's a good horse, though. Farceur Du Large is in good shape and came out of his last start well. He's got a nice weight [10st 13lb] and hopefully goes there with a fighting chance.

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Ain't That A Shame and Gabbys Cross
Rachael [Blackmore] has opted to ride Ain't That A Shame and he's in great form but I'm a bit surprised to see such a gap in the market between him and Gabby's Cross. He didn't run badly in the Kerry National and seems to be in good form.

Paul Fahey, trainer of Ballyshannon Rose
If all goes well, she can be very competitive. She has the ability to land a big pot.

Ballyshannon Rose: could run at Navan on Sunday and again at Leopardstown on December 27

Ballyshannon Rose: live contender for Paul Fahey in the Paddy Power ChaseCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Oliver McKiernan, trainer of Gallant John Joe
He's had his issues but is back in good form now ahead of his first try at three miles. I think he should stay the trip okay.

Mouse Morris, trainer of Foxy Jacks
He seems to like Leopardstown as he's run well around there in the past. Shane Fenelon got on well with him last time over the banks at Punchestown. Hopefully we've got an outside chance.

Paul Gilligan, trainer of Born By The Sea
I thought he ran a nice race in the Hilly Way. The plan has always been to come here and I think he'll come on for that run. He seems in good shape.

Martin Brassil, trainer of Panda Boy
He's lacking in experience, but he's definitely a three-mile horse. He's not a Grade 1 or Grade 2 horse so may as well go into these handicaps. It's where he belongs – this one is obviously going to be very competitive though.

Eric McNamara, trainer of Donkey Years
He's been in great form since the Munster National. I think he can be very competitive.

Padraig Roche, trainer of Walking On Glass
I'm very happy with him. He owes us nothing and is going into it off a nice low weight [10st 10lb].

Read the rest of Tuesday's previews:

1.10 Leopardstown: Paul Townend: 'This is Chacun's playground and whatever beats him will win'

1.20 Kempton: Is Boothill's bid for Wayward Lad success as simple as his odds suggest?

1.29 Limerick: Can Gordon Elliott strike again? Analysis and quotes for the Limerick feature

1.40 Chepstow: He's improving, big time' - find out which huge Finale outsider is fancied

1.45 Leopardstown: Easy work for Facile Vega? Irish racing's next big thing tackles Grade 1 novice

2.30 Kempton: 'This race fits in perfectly' - Edwardstone primed to play the star role again

2.50 Chepstow: 2022 Welsh Grand National pinstickers' guide: quotes and ratings for every horse