John Durkan Memorial Chase Runners 2023 & Tips: Galopin Des Champs Back At Punchestown
The upcoming John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown, scheduled for Sunday, 26 November, is poised to be a riveting spectacle, featuring the return of Cheltenham Gold Cup champion Galopin Des Champs. This Grade 1 contest, stretching over 2 miles, 3 furlongs, and 200 yards, has historically been a thrilling affair, and this year’s lineup promises no less. Read on for our complete analysis and betting predictions from our expert, Herrin Kendrick.
John Durkan Memorial Chase Betting
Anticipation Builds for John Durkan Memorial Chase: A Deep Dive into Contenders and Predictions
Odds corrects at time of posting and subject to change
Main Bet: Fastorslow To Win
The Favourites:
Galopin Des Champs, trained by Willie Mullins, enters as the reigning champion, having impressively clinched the title last year. His exceptional seven-length triumph at the Cheltenham Gold Cup cements his status as a formidable contender and the pre-race favourite. His astounding 13-length victory in last year’s John Durkan is a testament to his prowess. However, his unexpected defeat to Fastorslow in the Punchestown Gold Cup reveals a vulnerability that opponents might exploit.
The Challengers:
Fastorslow, under Martin Brassil’s guidance, stands as a significant threat. Having previously bested Galopin Des Champs, Fastorslow’s performance in the Punchestown Gold Cup positions him as a potential dark horse in the race.
Willie Mullins’ dominance in this race is noteworthy, with nine victories to his name. Apart from Galopin Des Champs, he fields four other entrants, including Appreciate It and Stattler. Appreciate It, transitioning out of novice races, showed potential at Cheltenham and Punchestown, while Stattler, despite a lacklustre showing at the Gold Cup, remains a horse of interest.
Blue Lord and Asterion Forlonge, part of Mullins’ quintet, bring their unique strengths to the race. Blue Lord, the Grade 1 winner at Leopardstown’s Christmas festival, and Asterion Forlonge, though less favoured, cannot be dismissed.
Other Contenders:
Conflated, trained by Gordon Elliott and last seen finishing third in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase, is poised to make an impact. French Dynamite and Farouk D’Alene, although considered outsiders, add depth to the lineup and could surprise on race day.
Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses:
Galopin Des Champs’ strength lies in his proven track record and sheer speed. However, his loss to Fastorslow highlights a susceptibility that could be exploited under certain conditions. Fastorslow, on the other hand, has shown he can rise to the occasion but needs to prove consistency at this level.
Appreciate It and Stattler, stepping up from novice status, have the potential to surprise. Their performances at the previous festivals show promise, but transitioning to a higher level of competition will be their biggest test.
Mullins and Elliott’s Strategies:
Mullins’ strategy often revolves around fielding multiple horses to maximise his chances of victory. Elliott, with Conflated and Farouk D’Alene, aims to challenge Mullins’ dominance, bringing versatility and an element of unpredictability to the race.
Our Prediction:
Delving deeper into the prediction for the John Durkan Memorial Chase, the spotlight inevitably falls on Galopin Des Champs. This Willie Mullins-trained powerhouse has consistently demonstrated his class on the racecourse. His stunning victory at the Cheltenham Gold Cup, where he surged ahead with a seven-length lead, exemplifies not just his racing prowess but also his exceptional stamina and speed. These attributes are crucial in a race like the John Durkan, where the competition is fierce and every furlong counts.
Galopin Des Champs’ commanding 13-length triumph in last year’s edition of this race further cements his status as the favourite. His ability to maintain a high tempo throughout the race and his impressive finishing kick are what set him apart from the field. Moreover, his training under Willie Mullins, a name synonymous with success in this event, adds an extra layer of confidence in his prospects.
However, his unexpected defeat to Fastorslow in the Punchestown Gold Cup introduces a variable that cannot be ignored. This loss showcased a chink in his armour, suggesting that under certain conditions, Galopin Des Champs can be vulnerable. Yet, it’s essential to consider the context of that race and the possibility that it was merely an off-day for the champion.
Turning our attention to Fastorslow, this contender emerges as a dark horse capable of causing an upset. His victory over Galopin Des Champs was no small feat and speaks volumes about his capabilities. Trained by Martin Brassil, Fastorslow has shown that he can step up when it matters most. His ability to take on and defeat a horse of Galopin Des Champs’ calibre is a testament to his potential.
In summary, while Galopin Des Champs is the clear favourite due to his superior track record and the pedigree of his training, the race is by no means a foregone conclusion. Fastorslow’s previous win against him adds an intriguing element to the contest. The John Durkan Memorial Chase is set to be a compelling battle, and while Galopin Des Champs is predicted to reclaim his title, the prospect of an upset, perhaps in the form of Fastorslow, looms large, adding an extra layer of excitement to this anticipated event.
Odds corrects at time of posting and subject to change
Please gamble responsibly (18+ begambleaware). The odds and predictions mentioned are based on the information available at the time and may change as the race day approaches.
