McHale Mayo National Handicap Chase (Listed Race)

Talented sort won Paddy Power at Leopardstown in 2024 and valuable handicap hurdle back there at last year's DRF; only 10-1 for last year's Grand National where he fell early on; well back when unseating 4 out in the National last month and pulled up at Punchestown; has worn a tongue-tie before, cheekpieces now added.

Smart stayer over hurdles (dual Grade 2 winner); not done much chasing but returned to this discipline to win small-field contest at Clonmel and his Grade 3-fourth at Killarney was perfectly respectable; jumping will be tested here in first handicap; trainer going for four in a row in this.

Won first two chases in the autumn, including a Grade 3 at Cork; jumping left him down in novice handicap at Cheltenham; faded in the straight when behind He's Gorgeous at Punchestown and question mark over his stamina for this trip.

Basically a bridle horse who doesn't find much when let down, but plenty of strong form and couldn't knock his latest second to an improver at Punchestown where he pulled clear of the rest (2m4f, yielding); doubt he wants this far, but easy track will help and valuable 7lb claimed.

Three times a hurdles winner here and excellent second to well-treated winner in last year's renewal; lost form after but regained it in November when winning Listed handicap at Fairyhouse; below-par since then; back from a break and, given his track record, has to be respected.