Punchestown
Tomorrow, April 29, 2025ChaseClass 12m
Verdict
Verdict
Dropping to 2m represents a new challenge for FACT TO FILE but he has barely put a foot wrong thus far and the way he travels in his races offers plenty of hope that the tools needed for this particular test are indeed within his arsenal. The manner of his victory in the Ryanair at the Cheltenham Festival suggests that he's still improving. The clear main danger is Marine Nationale, who also scaled new heights at Cheltenham last month, while Solness will also be a threat if allowed a soft lead.
Fact To File
Marine Nationale
Solness
2m Grd1 Chs
2m Grd1 Chs
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 2 places
- 3. Fact To FileJ: M. P. WalshT: W. P. Mullins, IrelandF: 2111/1231-
- Price History:
- 1.91
- Age:
- 8
- Weight:
- 11-12
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 172
- Days Since Last Run:
- 47
VerdictLightly-raced for an 8-y-o and, having switched straight to fences following his 2022/23 bumper campaign, he very quickly made up into a top-class chaser. Better than ever when winning the 20.6f Ryanair at last month's Cheltenham Festival and will prove hard to beat if coping with drop to 2m. - 4. Marine NationaleJ: Sean FlanaganT: Barry Connell, IrelandF: 15/2321-
- Price History:
- 2.63
- Age:
- 8
- Weight:
- 11-12
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 167
- Days Since Last Run:
- 48
VerdictWinner of 2023 Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and recorded an emotional success in the Champion Chase at this season's Festival, in the process gaining his revenge on Solness who beat him twice at Leopardstown during the winter. Low-mileage for an 8-y-o and bold show likely. 
2. El FabioloJ: P. TownendT: W. P. Mullins, IrelandF: 11P2/F2F-- Price History:
- 8.00
- Age:
- 8
- Weight:
- 11-12
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 168
- Days Since Last Run:
- 25
VerdictUndisputed champion 2m novice during 2022/23 campaign, culminating in a bloodless success in the Barberstown Castle at this meeting. However, his career has gone in the wrong direction subsequent to pulling up after a bad mistake in last season's Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.- 6. SolnessJ: J. J. SlevinT: Joseph Patrick O'Brien, IrelandF: 11324114-
- Price History:
- 13.00
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 11-12
- Gear:
- cheekpieces and tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 161
- Days Since Last Run:
- 48
VerdictMuch-improved when making all in back-to-back Leopardstown Grade 1s during the winter, beating Marine Nationale and Captain Guinness on both occasions. Unable to lead when almost 20 lengths behind Marine Nationale at the Cheltenham Festival but will be dangerous if allowed to dictate round here. 
1. Captain GuinnessJ: Rachael BlackmoreT: Henry de Bromhead, IrelandF: P31/2P563-- Price History:
- 19.00
- Age:
- 10
- Weight:
- 11-12
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 157
- Days Since Last Run:
- 48
VerdictChampion Chase winner at the Cheltenham Festival last year (El Fabiolo was long odds on that day but pulled up after a bad mistake) before going close in this 12 months ago. However, hasn't looked the same horse this term and safely held by Marine Nationale based on last month's Cheltenham form.
5. SeneciaJ: Phillip EnrightT: Vincent Laurence Halley, IrelandF: 4PU4U3P1-- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 8
- Weight:
- 11-12
- Gear:
- blinkers
- Official Rating:
- 150
- Days Since Last Run:
- 59
VerdictTailed off before pulling up in Dublin Chase at Leopardstown in February but bounced back when springing a big surprise in a Navan Grade 2 next time, in which he proved 1¼ lengths too strong for El Fabiolo. Still, as with his previous forays into Grade 1 company, he's likely to come up short here.- Unnamed Favourite
- Unnamed 2nd Favourite