'Classy' Pied Piper out to extend his unbeaten record over fences in Grade 3 novice chase

Pied Piper sets the clear standard as he chases his first Graded victory over fences after completing a hat-trick in his new discipline at Roscommon last month.

The versatile seven-year-old ran a huge race in last year's County Hurdle when third behind Absurde but lost his way slightly for the remainder of 2024. However, he's thrived since being switched to chasing.

A 20-length success at Down Royal was followed by similarly bloodless victories at Killarney and Roscommon. The form of those races isn't up to much, particularly given Zenta didn't run her race last time, and Pied Piper's jumping hasn't been flawless, but he sets a considerable standard based on his hurdles rating of 150 and he seems up to matching that over fences.

This is an extremely competitive event and Pied Piper has to concede weight all round so dangers are aplenty, no more so than Westport Cove who boasts plenty of experience over fences relative to his rivals after six starts.

Following a couple of placed efforts in strong beginners' chases, he ran a solid race when fourth in the Sussex Champion Chase at Plumpton before scoring at Ballinrobe last time, beating the reopposing Itsalladream. This track should really suit his running style and he's an impressive jumper.

Westport Cove has to reverse form with Special Cadeau who caused a 66-1 turn-up when beating him at Thurles in February. He finished last of five in Grade 1 company at Aintree before chasing Nurburgring home at Killarney a fortnight ago. He should come on for that given it was his first run in three months and is a big player.

British raider Gale Mahler landed Tuesday's Listed novice hurdle on the card by ten lengths last year and has impressed since switching to chasing this year, beating a useful sort in Anyharminasking at Uttoxeter last month before finishing second at the same track last time when a shuddering error at the third-last proved costly.

The drop back in trip should play to her strengths and she'll love the decent ground.

The each-way vote goes to Gold Dancer, who might be below Westport Cove in the pecking order when you look at jockey bookings for Willie Mullins but he created a strong impression when beating two useful rivals in Le Coq Hardi and Aeros Luck in a good time at Tipperary in May. He should run a big race if building on that victory.

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Pied Piper
He's a classy horse who has taken well to fences. He's won each of his three chases by a long way but this will be his toughest task over fences. He seems in good form and we're expecting a big run.

Adrian Keatley, trainer of Gale Mahler
She's been an excellent mare for us. She was unlucky last time at Uttoxeter as she went a few lengths clear going to the third-last and absolutely took it from the roots – I don't know how she managed to stay up but she did and was battling back at the line. She's a high-class summer jumper but just lacks that scope against the big National Hunt horses during the winter.

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