Gowran Park racecourse in Ireland is set to host a Grade 2 Red Mills Chase today, , featuring a competitive field of four runners. The event is drawing attention as horses transition from hurdles to fences, and established chasers return to the track. Analysis of recent form suggests Sa Fureur is a strong contender, though Impaire Et Passe, returning from a setback, also presents a significant challenge.
Grade 2 Red Mills Chase: A Look at the Contenders
The Red Mills Chase, a Grade 2 event for 5-year-olds and over, spans 2 miles and 3 furlongs 70 yards on a turf surface. The field includes Impaire Et Passe, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, currently rated at 157. This horse demonstrated high-class form over hurdles and secured a notable win in the Grade 1 Manifesto at Aintree last April. However, Impaire Et Passe was forced to withdraw from a race at Punchestown shortly after, and its current fitness is a key consideration.
Classic Getaway, also trained by Mullins and ridden by Danny Mullins, is another runner with a proven track record. The 10-year-old won this contest 12 months prior, but has yet to replicate that form in its two starts this season. Its recent performances suggest a potential dip in form, making its chances less certain.
Buddy One, trained by P.J. Gilligan and ridden by Jack Gilligan, represents a different profile. While showing promise as a hurdler, its transition to chasing has been less convincing. A recent pulled-up performance in a handicap hurdle at Navan, coupled with a less-than-ideal record over fences, raises questions about its competitiveness in this race. The addition of cheekpieces for the first time may indicate an attempt to improve focus.
Sa Fureur, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, appears to be in good form. The nine-year-old recently scored a win at Navan over this distance, and has been performing well over hurdles. This race marks a return to fences, a sphere where it previously demonstrated smart chasing ability. Its recent race fitness gives it an edge over some of its rivals.
Recent Form and Key Considerations
Several runners have demonstrated varying degrees of success in recent outings. A fairly useful hurdler recently finished fifth of seven in a novice chase at Navan on , having been fitted with blinkers for the first time. This horse previously secured a win over hurdles at a distance of 24 furlongs.
A lightly-raced winner under Rules recently achieved a victory in a Galway maiden hurdle just 23 days ago. The switch to fences is anticipated to unlock further potential, suggesting a strong upward trajectory. This runner’s recent success makes it a compelling prospect for those assessing potential.
Another runner, a useful hurdler with a previous win at 20 furlongs, finished third in a novice chase at Punchestown 45 days ago. This performance indicates adaptability to different terrains and distances. A promising sort with five wins from 16 National Hunt runs also delivered a solid third-place finish in a novice chase at the current course 23 days ago. Notably, this horse was selected by Paul Townend from a field of three Willie Mullins-trained runners, highlighting its potential.
However, not all recent performances have been positive. One runner was pulled up in a novice chase at Punchestown 34 days ago, trailing off significantly five fences from the finish, at odds of 250/1. Another runner, while fairly useful over hurdles, finished fifth in a novice chase at Wexford, having a tongue strap applied for the first time in that code.
Expert Assessment and Betting Odds
Forecasts currently favor Impaire Et Passe at 10/11, followed by Sa Fureur at 2/1, Classic Getaway at 5/1, and Buddy One at 10/1. The assessment suggests Sa Fureur’s recent form and race fitness give it a slight advantage, particularly given its successful performance over fences in the past. The horse’s ability to maintain momentum from its recent hurdle races could prove decisive.
The Red Mills Chase promises to be a compelling contest, with a mix of experienced chasers and horses transitioning from hurdles. The outcome will likely depend on a combination of form, fitness, and adaptability to the challenging conditions at Gowran Park. The race is a key indicator for horses aiming for higher-level competition later in the season.
