Mala Beach rates a worthy favourite for the Bobbyjo Chase with his second place in the Thyestes at Gowran Park behind My Murphy. That gives him strong claims, if in the same mood and appears to be some of the best recent form on offer, with plenty of holes in the rest of the field.
However, despite his obvious chance, he does struggle to get his head in front for one reason or another with just one win in six starts since switching to fences highlighting the point. So there must be a few chinks in his chasing armour.
Boston Bob, On His Own, and Vics Canvas have all seen better days and it’s hard to see a reason for them to bounce back to something near their best form here. Willie Mullin’s other runner, Turban, returns off a long break and has never won when racing after more than 200 days off the track. He may just need the run, and also looks held on his best form.
The Irish Grand National winner, Thunder And Roses is in the mix and with cracking form at the course, he entered calculations at 16/1. It is hard to have much confidence given his showing this season, even if he does love it round here. Mala Beach had him well beaten last time, and again, it’s difficult to see him reversing that form.
It may pay to side with five-year-old, BAIE DES ILES, who put in an exceptional round of jumping to go down by 6l to the fast improving, Bonny Kate in an Irish Grand National Trial. She ran in to a potential superstar mare, and her task of reeling her in late-on was made all the more difficult by giving the winner 3lbs and a 6l lead. She ran on gamely in the mud as the mares finished first and second; 18l ahead of a tired strung out field.
Her second start over fences was a 3m 1f, hvy ground win, at Punchestown earlier this season and she should enjoy the drop back to this trip. The form of that race is working out, with the fourth since cosily winning a Cl1 handicap next time out.
This mare is a veteran-looking jumper, improving all the time, and has to be the better value at 5/1 receiving a stone from the 6/4 favourite; a valuable allowance whilst she technically only has 6lbs to find on official ratings with Mala Beach. Ross O’Sullivan operates a small yard, but he may have unearthed a gem of a chaser from France. She is fancied to pick up her first graded success if continuing the upward trajectory.
1pt win Baie Des Iles @5/1, 15:25 Fairyhouse (skybet)