De Bromhead bids for fifth Craddockstown with two leading contenders

1.25 Punchestown
Elliott Group Craddockstown Novice Chase (Grade 2) | 2m | 4yo+ | RTV

Henry de Bromhead is doubly represented in his bid to notch a fifth Craddockstown Novice Chase at Punchestown in the last ten years, appearing to hold strong claims in the shape of Moon Over Germany and Notebook.

Moon Over Germany will be bidding to take a final advantage of his novice status, having opened his account over fences when bolting up in the Grade 3 Red Rum Handicap Chase at Aintree in April.

Notebook, partnered by Rachael Blackmore, was a useful hurdler who created an excellent impression on his chasing debut over course and distance last month.

De Bromhead, who has won this Grade 2 with high-class performers Sizing Europe, Days Hotel, Sizing John and Identity Thief, said: "Both seem in good form. Hopefully Moon Over Germany will be helped by his experience - this will be his last run as a novice.

Moon Over Germany bolted up in the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Grade 3) at Aintree in AprilCredit: Edward Whitaker

"Notebook started well over fences last time and hopefully they can both put up good performances."

Daly Tiger was unfortunate to have a tack malfunction scupper his chance here last month in the Grade 3 Buck House Novice Chase and perhaps the 2m4f trip, again in Graded company at Cork a fortnight ago did not see him to best effect.

Trainer Noel Meade said: "He didn't seem to see it out last time at Cork and maybe this is coming a bit soon after, but it was a chance for us to run him in a Graded novice and hopefully it's worth having a crack."

Eclair De Beaufeu takes a big step up in class after an impressive performance in victory at Wexford last time, having chased home Notebook at Punchestown previously on his chase debut.

Eclair De Beaufeu impressed when winning at Wexford last timeCredit: Patrick McCann

Another live contender in the seven-strong field is Mount Pelier, who marked himself out as a smart prospect when scoring by 13 lengths on his first start in this sphere at Galway.

The six-year-old is well regarded by owner Barry Connell, who has turned his hand to training but must wait until sitting the next trainers' course in 2020 before being officially accredited.

Tom Mullins' experienced handicap chaser Scoir Mear returns from a summer break in the €42,500 prize, while John Ryan sends Cluan Dara into battle, a seven-year-old with plenty to find on all known form.

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