4.40 1m. 7f. 176yds. 15 Declared. Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1 ) of £100,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €56,270.00 2nd - €21,200.00 3rd - €10,610.00 4th - €5,300.00 5th - €2,660.00 6th - €1,330.00 7th - €660.00 8th - €340.00
Formscan - Unexpected Party clearly appreciated the step back to 2m when winning the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival last month but even though an 8lb rise doesn't look excessive, he has had a long season and it remains to be seen how much that race has taken out of him. IRISH BLAZE readily accounted for three subsequent winners on just his second start for this stable at Down Royal in January and after finishing a solid third behind two smart rivals at Punchestown subsequently, he represents some value and can outrun his forecast odds with Carl Millar claiming a handy 7lb off his back. The unexposed Sans Bruit finished second on his UK chasing bow at Chepstow and is just one other to consider.