O'Donoghue Ring Collection Handicap Chase (Listed Race)

Dropping down the ratings since he won a three-runner Grade 2 contest at Gowran last autumn; no signs of a revival at Wexford last month when finishing well behind; it is hard to fancy him at the moment.

Has a great record at this track with both of his novice chase wins coming here last summer at 2m7f and 2m1f on good ground; pulled up twice towards the end of last season and beaten a long way on seasonal return at Punchestown in June; his fourth of nine back at this track last time was better (Dreal Deal and Gaelic Arc in front of him that day) but he needs to step forward again.

Is 2-8 over fences with his last win coming in a Punchestown novice handicap chase in May off 129 (2m4f, yielding); he made good headway in the Galway Plate before fading late (22.5f, good); dropped back a few days later at Galway to finish a 5l fourth (2m2f, soft); this trip looks his ideal and he has a chance.

Back to form when winning at Fairyhouse in November off 126 (2m1f, yielding); followed that with a short head second at the Leopardstown Christmas festival (2m1f, good to yielding); needs to bounce back again after being tailed off at Aintree in April and pulled up at Punchestown when last seen; O'Keeffe rides Birdie Or Bust.

Finished 2024 in good form, winning handicap chases at Wexford (2m3f, good to yielding) and Punchestown (2m5f, soft); returns to fencing now after being unable to take advantage of an 11lb lower hurdles mark the last twice; not discounted back in this sphere.