Everything you need to know as Footpad bids to end season with flawless record

6.40 Punchestown
Ryanair Novice Chase | G1 | 5yo+| 2m | RTE2/ATR

Flawless, fabulous, foot-perfect, Footpad. The six-year-old has had an outstanding season, winning his four starts over fences by a combined distance of 41 lengths. Indeed, his biggest winning margin was in the Racing Post Arkle at Cheltenham as he battered Brain Power by 14 lengths with Petit Mouchoir back in third.

A dirty scope ruled him out of Aintree so he arrives here poised to cement his position as the best novice chaser in the business. Official ratings have him 9lb clear of Petit Mouchoir and anything but victory would be a major surprise.

Daryl Jacob is back on board Footpad for the first time since winning a beginners’ chase at Navan in November and he could not be more excited about the prospect of partnering the 166-rated chaser.

Jacob said: “It’s great to be back on board again. I rode him at Navan earlier in the season and he didn’t put a foot wrong – he was brilliant. We always hoped he’d develop into a top chaser and so far he’s done nothing wrong.

“You’d have to be impressed with the way he won at Cheltenham – that was a terrific performance. It’s unfortunate for Ruby that he can’t ride him as he gave him a great ride at Cheltenham, but I’m really looking forward to my chance.”

Footpad in full cry en route to his Arkle triumph last monthCredit: Grossick Racing

Any chance of Petit Mouchoir reversing Cheltenham form?

Tried twice, failed twice. Petit Mouchoir was five lengths behind Footpad at Leopardstown in February and 15 lengths behind him at Cheltenham in March, so how can the exuberant grey reverse that form?

Not only that, but he has been to Aintree too, just 12 days ago, where he failed to justify odds-on favouritism and trailed in two and a half lengths behind Diego Du Charmil.

“Obviously we were disappointed with the way he ran at Aintree and we’d like to think he’s better than that,” said trainer Henry de Bromhead.

“He’s been to Cheltenham and Aintree so it’ll be a big ask. He seems to have come out of Aintree okay so hopefully he’ll give a good account of himself, but we all know Footpad is very good.”

Might Paddy be ready to jump out of the long grass?

Castlegrace Paddy did not contest Grade 1s over hurdles, indeed he only ran three times in that sphere, and he has never run in a Grade 1 over fences either, but he looked so slick when winning at Thurles last time that he is only a single-figure price for his first try at the top table.

He has been lurking in the long grass for the last two seasons and this will tell us how good he is. Pat Fahy thinks Castlegrace Paddy is the real deal and hopes he can fluster Footpad.

“He’s great and will be fresh,” said Fahy. “I’m happier with him now than I’ve ever been – he looks great in himself.

“I thought he needed the run at Fairyhouse, and last time at Thurles he was very good. If anyone else had him you’d think he was a superstar but you are always sceptical when they’re your own.

“He’s in mighty form and we’ll know we have a serious horse if we can finish close to the favourite – I’d love to see him make Footpad battle.”

Optimus Prime (foreground): fresh and well but up against it to beat FootpadCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Will freshness win the day?

Worcester, Plumpton and Leicester are not tracks you would usually associate with Grade 1 winners at the Punchestown festival, but winning is a habit and Optimus Prime is fond of it.

The last British-based winner of this Grade 1 was God’s Own in 2014 so recent history suggests he has plenty on his plate to beat the home team.

“We’ve all got it to do to beat Footpad because we know how good he is,” said trainer Dan Skelton. “However, our lad’s in good form at home and deserves a crack.

“We’ve been mapping his whole season around Punchestown and he goes there off the back of three wins and is in good order. A few others have had long seasons and we’ll be fresh, but we’re under no illusions.”

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