BOYLE Sports Irish Grand National Chase (Extended Handicap Chase) (Grade 3)

Won two small-field chases (including a Grade 2) at Navan last season and third in the Brown Advisory; faded from three out when sixth behind Haiti Couleurs in this race last year; ran in two small-field races at Navan in February; rider's claim takes some of the sting from his hefty burden; one of six for the stable.

Disputing the lead when unseating at the last in the Ultima at Cheltenham, a fine effort against the background of his failure (pulled up) in the Thyestes at Gowran; if none the worse for his Cheltenham experience, has a clear chance on his second placing in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown (3m, yielding).

Made amends for a fall on his chasing debut with wins in a beginners' event at Punchestown in December and Naas Grade 3 in January (extended 3m, heavy); struggled in the Brown Advisory (won by stablemate Kitzbuhel) on ground that was probably too lively; one of seven for the stable.

Big improvement on third chase start when beating Slade Steel at Navan (3m, soft to heavy) in January; out of his depth in the Brown Advisory; 15lb higher than his hurdles mark, not attractively handicapped; tongue-tie.

Irish point winner in 2024; won on the first of two starts over hurdles last season; made winning chase debut at Carlisle in November; suffered a reverse at Cheltenham before making amends with two 3m Ascot wins, in a handicap and the Grade 2 Reynoldstown; good jumper with considerable potential for improvement,