It’s highly unlikely that every favourite will prevail at Prestbury Park over the coming days and so with this in mind, I’ve taken a look at some Irish challengers lurking under the radar.
Below is a list of 11 such contenders, with many of them garnering very little attention in the lengthy build-up to this four-day extravaganza.
Tuesday
IRANCY – The Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
With all the talk for his stable companion Kopek Des Bordes, this JP McManus-owned bay has gone completely under the radar. Out of action for almost a year after finishing third on his Irish debut in December of 2023, he impressed on his return. Evoking memories of Istabraq for one shrewd judge, he dismissed 17 rivals on that occasion, as he made all and jumped well throughout, ultimately easing to a nine-length win. Will The Wise filled the runner-up spot in that Punchestown heat and after winning his last two, is now a leading contender for the Pertemps Final. A half-brother to multiple graded winner Darasso, Irancy looks a solid each-way proposition at his current price of 14/1.
MURCIA – Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
Already the winner of a Listed hurdle in her native France, this Kenny Alexander-owned bay failed to make an impact in Grade 2 company on her Irish debut at Leopardstown over Christmas. Fitted with a tongue-strap for the first time, Murcia showed a lot more on her second start for current connections at Naas early last month. She just failed to reel-in the front-running Bacchanalian at the Co. Kildare venue, with that one subsequently giving the form a boost by following-up on his next start. While not missed by the handicapper, she could prove a class above her rivals in this notoriously competitive affair.
Wednesday
GORGEOUS TOM – Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
This Henry de Bromhead-trained seven-year-old is another very much coming in under the radar. While a useful sort over flights, Gorgeous Tom appears to have improved since switching to the larger obstacles. The winner of a Grade 3 at Cork in November, he really caught the eye when tried at the highest level at Fairyhouse the following month. While only fourth of five at the Co. Meath venue, he finished strongly and was ultimately beaten by less than a length. With that contest over two and a half, one would imagine this step-up in trip to three miles will really play to his strengths.
SANDOR CLEGANE – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle
Yet to be tried in handicap company, this Paul Nolan-trained eight-year-old would be of definite interest if taking up his Coral Cup engagement. Third in the Albert Bartlett of 2023, Sandor Clegane has performed with credit in recent starts, finishing fourth in Grade 1 company on his penultimate outing at Leopardstown. Considering he is well able to cope at the highest level, his mark of 147 looks fair and with many firms offering up to five places in this notoriously competitive affair, he appeals from an each-way perspective.
QUILIXIOS – Queen Mother Champion Chase
The winner of the Triumph Hurdle in 2021, things haven’t gone according to plan for this Henry de Bromhead-trained bay since. Not the most consistent in recent years, Quilixios did impress on his seasonal debut at Naas in November, readily accounting for Marine Nationale by seven and a half lengths. He finished ahead of JPR One and Solness when second to Jonbon in the Tingle Creek in December and a reproduction of that performance might see him make the frame. While he did disappoint when last seen at the Dublin Racing Festival, the de Bromhead team were notably out of form at the time.
JAZZY MATTY – Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase
While entered in four races, connections have settled on the Grand Annual for this chestnut six-year-old. Guided by the late Michael O’Sullivan when successful in the Fred Winter of 2023, Jazzy Matty would undoubtedly be a poignant winner. Three poor efforts followed that memorable festival win, and he was subsequently purchased by current connections for €50,000. After getting his career back on track at Wexford in August, he has been more consistent since, going down by just a head over the course and distance on his penultimate start. Despite proving easy-to-back when last seen at Thurles in January, he caught the eye when a never nearer second, a run that should leave him primed for this test.
Thursday
ENVOI ALLEN – Ryanair Chase
Ignore this incredible bay at your peril. A truly magnificent servant to connections, Envoi Allen is set to compete at Cheltenham for the seventh year in-a-row. Already a three-time winner at the festival, he claimed this very contest in 2023 and was second when attempting to defend his crown 12-months ago. While getting on in years, he registered a ninth Grade 1 win at Down Royal in November, lowering the colours of Hewick and Gerri Colombe respectively. Given a break since unseating in the King George at Christmas, he is sure to be primed for this assignment and considering he was favourite last year, he now looks good value at 14/1.
THE WALLPARK – Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle
A progressive handicapper always has a special kind of appeal. Working his way up through the ranks and the winner of four in-a-row from July to October, The Wallpark was purchased by JP McManus after his latest success. Tried in Grade 1 company for the first time at Ascot before Christmas, he proved he was well capable of mixing it with the big boys. Arguably finishing fastest of all, he ultimately had to settle for fourth, just over three lengths off the winner. Now with that top level experience to his name, he’ll undoubtedly be more streetwise at Prestbury Park, with a bold showing expected.
SEDDON – Trustatrader Plate Handicap Chase
While now a 12-year-old, this admirable bay still retains plenty of ability, winning twice on the level in the autumn, while finishing third when last seen over the course and distance in January. Seddon won this very race in 2023 off a mark of 143 and is now rated 1lb lower. Guaranteed a run and sure to be towards the bottom of the handicap, he is of definite interest at his current odds of 20/1.
MIDNIGHT OUR FRED – Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase
Second in three previous visits to Prestbury Park, this John Flavin-trained eight-year-old could get his turn on the biggest stage. While a moderate performer over flights, Midnight Our Fred has transformed since switching to the larger obstacles, with his trainer describing him as ‘an unbelievable jumper’. An easy winner at Gowran in October, he ran a huge race to finish second in the valuable Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, with subsequent Thyestes and Bobbyjo Chase winner Nick Rockett a few places behind. Given a break since, he still looks reasonably well-treated on a mark of 128 and with no issues regarding the trip or track, a bold bid looks likely from this imposing bay.
Friday
LISLEIGH LAD – St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase
While it’s difficult to make a strong case for him, stranger things have happened, with this race throwing up surprise 66/1 winners in two of the last five renewals. His trainer Eleanor Broderick conducted a memorable post-race interview with Gary O’Brien on Racing TV following his win at Fairyhouse in November, and it’s well worth a watch on YouTube for those of you who missed it. Providing his 71-year-old handler with her first track success at the Co. Meath venue, the eight-year-old has been ultimately disappointing in two starts since. That being said, Lisleigh lad wasn’t beaten all that far when fifth at Thurles on his latest outing and if he brings his A game to the table, he could make an impact at huge odds.
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