6:48 Roscommon Tips

This horse has only had three runs over the larger obstacles but has two second places and a third. The jockey and trainer combination are going well, with three wins from five runners this weekend. Only a pound higher than last time out at Fairyhouse, where he finished second of seventeen in a 3m handicap chase. There could be better to come.

He shaped with significant promise when stepped up in distance recently, and the underlying speed figures from those starts expose his current mark as highly exploitable. The application of first-time headgear suggests clear stable intent, signaling they believe he has a fair bit up his sleeve. He is a strong-travelling type who is tactically versatile enough to hold his position through an end-to-end gallop, making this an outstanding each-way proposition.

Just 4th handicap start and, based on hurdling rating, has mileage in this chase mark. Won nicely at Limerick on the penultimate start over shorter, with the 3rd hosing up since. LTO at Fairyhouse, a solid 3rd from this mark behind The Gradual Slope in a big-field handicap, shaping like this trip was required.

This accomplished veteran is more than capable of achieving a high placing in the Connacht National. He was the runner-up in this race last year, running from the same handicap mark, and has recently validated his strong form by finishing 5th in a tough Punchestown Hunter Chase.

Pride of Place has won 3 of his 14 starts over fences and bounced back to form with a win in the Killarney National last month, winning easily by 8.5 lengths. He is 9 lbs higher here, and with the yard having an excellent record in the race, he looks a good each-way bet with 5 places on offer.

Boston Rover is the field’s sole chase winner at this course and returns to a suitable staying trip. A valuable 7 lb claim and proven class can outweigh his lengthy absence.