Arabella Boy has a disappointing strike rate of 1-14 over fences but his overall form is superior to these opponents. He ended the last campaign beaten narrowly by Outlaw Pete at Punchestown and if he's ready for this he'll be fancied to double his winning tally. Mister First's form tailed off at the backend of last season while Doctor Deejay was well beaten on his only start over fences. Silas Mariner looked promising when completing a double over hurdles in 2010 but hasn't done much since and makes his chasing bow so it's the consistent TRENDELENBURG who is taken to gain his second success over fences as he has a fitness advantage over Arabella Boy having been in decent form in fair company.
Arabella Boy (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Soon tracked leaders, closed up travelling well from 2 out, challenged under pressure run-in, switched and stayed on well closing stages, not quite get to eased winner, 2nd of 18, 1/2l behind Outlaw Pete (11-10) at Punchestown 3m crs cntry chs (5yo+) hvy in Apr.
Mister First (FR) 20-1 (11-12) Always towards rear, never a factor, 6th of 20, well behind Caduceus (10-11) at Fairyhouse 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-123 gs in Apr.
Trendelenburg (IRE) 7-1 (11-10) In rear, slight mistake 5 out, ridden 3 out, 4th before next, kept on one paced to go 3rd run-in, 3rd of 7, 15l behind Rivage D'Or (11-10) at Ballinrobe 2m 6f chs sft in Sep.
Doctor Deejay (IRE) 28-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway 5 out, 4th next, 2nd travelling well approaching 3 out, soon ridden, 3rd 2 out, no extra before last, 5th of 10, 6l behind Let The Show Begin (10-3) at Kilbeggan 3m hdl gd in Sep.
Silas Mariner (IRE) 18-1 (11-12) Soon mid-division, moderate 12th 5 out, kept on same pace from before straight, 10th of 17, 28l behind Cyprusormilan (10-11) at Killarney 2m 6f hcp hdl 8Evens16 gd in May.
