Champion Chase tips & runner-by-runner guide to Down Royal 2.32

Down Royal stages the first Grade 1 of the Irish National Hunt season with a field of five declared for the Champion Chase. Gordon Elliott’s Galvin has the fitness edge over most of his rivals having won last month”s Irish Daily Star Chase and is expected to be fit.

Champion Chase tips & runner-by-runner guide to Down Royal 2.32. Last season's Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup winner Conflated looks to be the principal threat. Beacon Edge, Envoi Allen and Kemboy also go to post in Saturday’s 14:32 race.

B. J. Cooper has six wins from 19 NH runs. He pulled up in Champion Novices’ Chase at Punchestown (24.3f) won by Capodanno.

J.W. Kennedy won Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown in February. Next 2 starts he finished second in Ryanair and second to Clan des Obeaux at Aintree.

Rachael Blackmore won the William Hill Champion Chase at Punchestown 12 months ago.

Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: Davy Russell Age: 8 Weight: 11st 10lbs. Second in this last year before collaring A Plus Tard on the line in Savills at Leopardstown in December. Won at Punchestown last month.

P. Townend won the PWC Champion Chase at Gowran 35 days ago.

Gordon Elliott's and Conflated's are on form. Kemboy may be the best of the rest. Grand Sefton Chase starts at Aintree at 2.11 on Saturday.

Champion Chase tips and runner-by-runner guide to Down Royal 2.32. Grand Sefton Chase starts at Aintree 2:11 on Saturday.