'I think he has a big chance in a competitive race' - quotes for the Dan Moore

Dan & Joan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase (Grade A) | 2m 1f | 4yo+ | RTV

While the market suggests this could be Cayd Boy's to lose, this looks a very competitive race.

The JP McManus-owned favourite finished fourth behind Sil Ver Klass here in December, but lost his chance with a bad mistake. He runs from the same mark and is likely to go close if he shows any improvement, but he has yet to win any of his four starts over fences and the opposition are no pushovers.

Big Debates is seeking a hat-trick for trainer Robert Tyner and in receipt of weight from all around he could prove a real danger. The ten-year-old has been in the form of his life this season, seeing off Embittered at Cork before a six-length success over Gallyhill here before Christmas. He is another who won't mind any more rain and although he is in a higher grade, it's hard to ignore him from a form perspective.

Willie Mullins is doubly represented with Mt Leinster and Fan De Blues. Fan De Blues finished behind Sil Ver Klass and Cayd Boy last time out when seeking a hat-trick and struggled with an 8lb rise, but the Graded winner is one to rule out at your peril, especially with the in-form Daryl Jacob coming over to take the ride. Mt Leinster finished third in that same Fairyhouse race and is maybe the more promising of the Mullins pair.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Epson Du Houx chased home Energumene in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork, having been off for almost a year beforehand. He was entitled to need that run and could well be the one to beat having now got that under his belt. Three of his wins have come on heavy ground, and with the going soft to heavy at present it would be no surprise to see him shorten in the betting.

Epson Du Houx: chased home Energumene last time out at CorkCredit: Patrick McCann

Last year's winner Dunvegan faces a difficult task off a 12lb higher mark, but the ten-year-old is 4-4 at Fairyhouse. Those wins have come on a variety of ground, and Michael O'Sullivan will knock off 5lb. Stablemate Castlegrace Paddy is without a win since the Fortria Chase in November 2020.

The race has proved a happy hunting ground recently for Gordon Elliott, who has won three of the last six runnings, and he is represented by Andy Dufresne and Battleoverdoyen. Andy Dufresne finished last in the Paddy's Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown but wasn't far behind Captain Guinness in the Fortria Chase at Navan and could go close if running to that level. Battleoverdoyen has a big drop in trip to contend with.

Sil Ver Klass does boast a win over many of these but may have some questions to answer after being pulled up at Leopardstown over Christmas, while Rebel Gold ran well in the Tim Duggan Memorial Chase at Limerick but has been beaten 11 times since his last success.

Dancing On My Own has ground to make up on the field on the evidence of Sil Ver Klass's win in December but that was his first run in eight months.

What they say

Paul Townend, rider of Mt Leinster
He went very close over course and distance in December for Sean O'Keeffe and a reproduction of that will put him bang there. That was his first run since the Punchestown festival, so he is entitled to have come on from that. His jumping seems to have improved and he seems to have the hang of it now. I think he has a big chance in a very competitive race.

Patrick Foley, trainer of Rebel Gold
We're very happy with how he ran to come second in the Tim Duggan at Limerick. We think he's going there with a good each-way chance.

Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus, owner of Cayd Boy and Andy Dufresne
Cayd Boy ran very well last time, but his jumping was a bit novicey. Andy Dufresne was disappointing at Leopardstown and never really got into the race.

Robert Tyner, trainer of Big Debates
It was great to get the two races that we did with him before Christmas. He came out of the last race at Fairyhouse with a bit of a cut but he's been fine since. He seems to be in good form. It's a race of great prestige and a nice pot so it would be lovely if we could win it.

Tony Martin, trainer of Sil Ver Klass
He's been quite lucky around Fairyhouse but he was a bit disappointing last time.

Read Saturday's previews:

2.05 Kempton: 'He's got to be the one to beat - the betting has got it right'

2.25 Warwick: course-and-distance winner Ginny's Destiny looks 'the perfect type'

2.40 Kempton: 'He's been aimed at this race all season' - Lanzarote Hurdle quotes and insight

3.00 Warwick: 'We're not sending him over for fresh air' - quotes for the Classic Chase

3.35 Warwick: who brings 'one of the more desirable profiles' to this Pertemps qualifier?

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