Moonovercloon out to avenge last year's narrow defeat in fiercely competitive Blazers Handicap Chase

It's a hugely competitive running of the Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap Chase (6.00) and it's best to start with Moonovercloon, who was edged out in agonising fashion by a nose in this race last year and arrives off a 4lb higher mark.

He's held his form reasonably well since, finishing fourth in the Killarney National and third in the Midlands version, a race in which he wasn't ideally placed given it was dominated by those who raced prominently. There's a big pot in him and he's a leading contender.

Flash De Touzaine finished fourth last year but arrives in better form this time after winning two of his last four starts. He was two and three-quarter lengths behind Moonovercloon in fourth at Kilbeggan last time.

Noel Kelly's horses have been running well this week, with two seconds from three runners on Wednesday, and Cave Court has a big chance. Having been in good form over hurdles, he ran a belter to finish second in a valuable handicap chase at Cartmel in June when he couldn't reel in the front-running Charlie Uberalles.

That was an excellent effort at a track which didn't really suit his running style. He looks sure to run a big race and rates the each-way selection.

Digby arrives in excellent form, scoring over fences at Bangor and over hurdles at Ballinrobe before finishing second in the Summer Cup at Uttoxeter where he probably hit the front a bit soon. Off the same mark, he's definitely well treated and is versatile regarding the ground.

Kiltealy Park landed a nice pot at Fairyhouse last time, doing particularly well as her jumping wasn't always fluent. She's been raised 10lb for that but was 4lb out of the handicap last time and there should be more to come.

The step up in trip should play to Antrim Coast's strengths based on his hurdles form and he enjoyed the return to a sound surface when edged out by Hardwired at Punchestown last time. He remains well treated on his novice hurdle campaign and has solid claims, particularly if the rain stays away.

Gordon Elliott: runs five including Jack Kennedy's mount Mars HarperCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Gordon Elliott, who was successful with Battleoverdoyen last year, saddles five and it's interesting that Jack Kennedy opts for Mars Harper. He is capable off this mark and belied 100-1 odds when fourth in the Plate at the Cheltenham Festival before two lesser efforts at Aintree and Punchestown.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Native Speaker and Marv Michael enjoy decent ground and the former was in good form at the end of last year, beating Will Do in a beginners' chase before finishing a close third at Fairyhouse behind two useful performers in Judicieuse Allen and Kinturk Kalanisi.

He never got into a jumping rhythm at Punchestown on his first start since a winter break in May but is on a nice mark and this longer trip should suit given he won a maiden hurdle over 3m1f.

Neveradullmoment is a serious operator around Ballybrit with all three of his wins coming here, while he finished second and fourth on his other two starts at the track. He bolted up in September over course and distance and is 12lb higher now so more is required. He does, however, arrive on the back of a decent run when eighth in the Mayo National behind Galway Plate winner Western Fold and looks primed for a big run.

Of the rest, Ambitious Fellow is worth a close look after he bounced back to form when second in the Connacht National at Roscommon last time. Good ground is key to his chances and he's another with course form, having landed the Listed handicap hurdle at this meeting in 2023.

What they say

Matthew Smith, trainer of Moonovercloon
He ran a cracker in the race last year. It was a good run at Kilbeggan last time. He was losing a bit of ground at some fences but he's schooled well since.

Noel Kelly, trainer of Cave Court
He ran a great race at Cartmel and I thought he might get a few pounds for that but the handicapper left him alone. We're hoping he'll be thereabouts and he's versatile ground-wise, he just wouldn't want it bottomless.

Dermot McLoughlin, trainer of Digby
He's in good nick and ran well at Uttoxeter the last day. He was a bit unfortunate as he made a bad mistake early on and idled a bit when he hit the front but he ran a cracker so we're hoping for another big run.

Philip Dempsey, trainer of Neveradullmoment
He ran okay at Ballinrobe and has gone well here before. He's up a good bit in the weights though and it's very competitive.

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