Trainer quotes and analysis as top staying chasers clash in wide-open Grade 3

3.25 Punchestown
Irish Daily Star Salutes Our Frontline Heroes Chase (Grade 3) | 3m½f, 5yo+ | RTV

There is an overwhelming whiff of deja vu in this Grade 3 as the first four from last year are all back for more.

On that occasion, Jett caused a 22-1 shock when seeing off Alpha Des Obeaux by a short head. There were seven and a half lengths back to Tout Est Permis with a further two and three-quarter lengths to the 5-4 favourite Balko Des Flos.

It would be very surprising indeed if they finished in the same order here as all four have plenty to prove now.

Perhaps the one with most scope for improvement out of the quartet is Tout Est Permis.

The seven-year-old grey did not manage to win over hurdles or fences last year, but he was a fine third to Sire Du Berlais and The Storyteller in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham and has gone well fresh in the past, so a 216-day absence is no cause for concern.

The Storyteller: should have fitness on his sideCredit: Grossick Racing

Speaking of The Storyteller, he could come here fitter than any of his rivals having run four times since the end of July. In that period he has won twice at Galway and chased home Easy Game in a Grade 2 at Gowran Park 11 days ago. At this time of year, race-fitness can prove paramount.

Shattered Love is a former Grade 1 winner who gets weight from all her rivals, but she was disappointing on her most recent appearance in the Ryanair Chase when only sixth of eight to Min.

War Of Attrition and Don Cossack won this on their way to Cheltenham Gold Cup glory, but it is unlikely any of these will follow in their footsteps here.

The race has been farmed by Gigginstown in the last decade with the familiar maroon and white silks successful seven times since 2011, and that record could improve further here with Tout Est Permis given the nod in what looks a wide-open affair.

What they say

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Jett
He's back to Punchestown, a place he absolutely loves. He won the race last year and the ground will be perfect for him. He's in great form too.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Ravenhill, Alpha Des Obeaux, The Storyteller and Shattered Love
It was unfortunate what happened to Ravenhill in the Kerry National. That was his first run since he won at Cheltenham and he should strip fitter for it. He's now rated 153 so this seemed the logical place to come. Alpha Des Obeaux hasn't won for a while, but he's tremendously consistent and has run well fresh in the past. He was only pipped in this race last year. The Storyteller is fit and well. He made an early mistake at Gowran, but has already had a good season. He would look to have every chance. Shattered Love is having her first run since the Ryanair and will come on for it. She's a talented mare on her day.

Noel Meade, trainer of Tout Est Permis
He had a wind op over the summer and I've a feeling he might just need this. I would have liked to have got one more piece of work into him.

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