Allaho v Envoi Allen: top analysis and trainer quotes for a John Durkan cracker

Seven of the ten runners are rated 161 or higher. Willie Mullins has won six of last eight runnings. Allaho is the highest-rated guest with an official mark of 174. Envoi Allen is fifth-best horse in the race according to the handicapper. Asterion Forlonge is most likely winner. Fakir D'Oudairies is supposed to be six but he has been around forever. He has two Grade 1 wins on his CV. He dismantled Clonmel Oil field. The way in which he dismantled it suggests he is now better than ever and in his prime. His trainer Henry de Bromhead reports everything to have gone swimmingly since.

Allaho's homework and jumping has been very good. Asterion Forlonge won at the big festival here in the spring with Bryan on board. Kelly McDonough is starting Kemboy out over this trip. Tornado Flyer's best run last year was in this race. Franco De Port's style of racing means he won't be in a van early on. Melon has disappointed recently. Janidil improved last season and could work up into being a nice three-mile chaser this season. He was running a great race before he fell here at a big spring festival.

Patrick Mullins, rider of Allaho, is hoping his horse will run well. Bryan Cooper, the rider and trainer of Asterion Forlonge, won at the Punchestown festival. Henry de Bromhead, trainer Envoi Allen and Minella Times, hopes his horses will do well in the race. Joseph O'Brien, Fakir D'Oudairies, came out of his win in Clonmel Oil Chase in good shape and seems well, since they have got a bit of rain at Punchystown.