THERE’S A LOT TO

OFF the mark over fences in Ballinrobe last time, Ilikedwayurthinkin will be expected to follow-up in the Betvictor Chase in Galway.

Gavin Cromwell’s charge has already shown a liking for Ballybrit, having won two handicap hurdles at the

2019 Festival.

And the Yeats gelding has made an impression over fences, earning a mark of 135 before being dropped to his current rating of 129.

He opened his chasing account at the fifth attempt when outpointing Russian Diamond in Ballinrobe last month and is rated 5lb superior to Gordon Elliott’s Soldier Of War, having his first run since scoring at Kilbeggan almost a year ago and set to concede 4lb to the selection here.

On figures, Henry de Bromhead’s 132-rated Eleazar Des Neiges, receiving weight from his two main rivals, comes out on top. But he hasn’t produced his best form for a while and is having his first run since April.

Ilikedwayurthinkin (right) carries the colours of J P Mcmanus, which will also be worn by Winter Escape – with a solid chance in the Guinness Handicap Chase.

The Betvictor Beginners Chase looks a fascinating race, bringing together a number of newcomers to fences, notably

Gabynako, Julies Stowaway, Noble

Yeats and Magic

Daze.

The latter pair, having missed recent engagements, make most appeal, with Noble Yeats, a wide-margin winner of his bumper and maiden hurdle representing Emmet Mullins, who has a fine strike rate at Ballybrit.

But I’ve been looking forward to seeing Henry de Bromhead’s Magic

Daze, the only mare in the field, over a fence. And she gets the nod.