3 minute read
The Boylesports Champion Chase - which takes place at 17:30 on Tuesday - has been won by some of the top two-mile chasers this century, notably Moscow Flyer (2004), Master Minded (2009) and Sprinter Sacre (2013).
This certainly looks an up-to-scratch renewal, with Willie Mullins’ unleashing Douvan, Min and Un de Sceaux as he attempts to claw back Gordon Elliott in the Irish trainers’ championship.
Light at the end of the tunnel
Douvan made an encouraging return in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham last month, having been off the track for 12 months with injury. He looked much more like his old self, still travelling powerfully in front when falling at the tenth, and would have likely put it up to the principals if staying on his feet. Douvan was once destined for the very top, and showed enough last month to suggest he retains plenty - if not all - of his ability; he will prove very hard to beat if going the right way from that.
As the pace map below indicates, both Special Tiara (7) and Un de Sceaux (10) are natural front runners, and should ensure a good gallop is set, something which will play to Douvan’s strengths given his strong-travelling nature.
Min bet?
Stablemate Min finished runner-up to Altior at Cheltenham last month, and filled the same position when beaten a neck by Politologue in the Melling Chase at Aintree last time, his exuberance just telling in the finish over that longer two and a half mile trip. Min shaped like the best horse in the race, yet to come off the bridle approaching the last, and he will be well suited by the drop back to two miles here. He has a bit to find with Douvan, but seems sure to run his race once more, and it is hard to see him finishing out of the first three.
Ballycasey and Un de Sceaux are Mullins’ other representatives, but it is the latter who makes most appeal of that pair. He failed to land the odds when bidding for back-to-back wins in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham last month, but resumed winning ways returned to his favoured heavy ground in the Devenish Chase at Fairyhouse last time.
The official winning margin was 18 lengths back to A Toi Phil in second, but Un de Sceaux was set for a battle with Doctor Phoenix until that rival took a heavy fall two out. Those two should be closely matched again, though Doctor Phoenix needs to prove he is none the worse for that fall. A Toi Phil is a consistent sort and will likely give his running again, but on all known form he shouldn’t be good enough to win.
Tiara hoping to be crowned again
Special Tiara won the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2017, but is yet to get his head in front this season, his best effort coming when finishing third in the Shloer Chase on his return at Cheltenham in November. He was well beaten when his rider pulled him up trying to defend his crown at Cheltenham last month, though, and he isn’t one to be interested in at present.
Ordinary World remains with just a maiden chase win to his name, but has some very smart form in this sphere, finishing fifth to Altior in the Queen Mother Champion Chase last time. However, even his best form still leaves him with plenty to find with the principals, and he makes little appeal.
Conclusion
The rest all have plenty to find too, and this looks between Willie Mullins’ trio of Douvan, Min and Un de Sceaux. Douvan went with plenty of exuberance on his return in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, and looks the one to side with on the back of that. He is still only an eight-year-old, is clear on Timeform weight-adjusted ratings, and could yet have more to offer. He is fancied to prove too strong for Min, who endured a relatively hard race at Aintree last time, and that may have left its mark. Doctor Phoenix looks best of the remainder.
Recommended bet:
Back Douvan to win the Boylesports Champion Chase on Tuesday at 5/4
