Forpadydeplasterer tops Punchestown Champion Chase entries
The eight-year-old filled the runner-up spot for the fifth time in succession in last Friday’s Melling Chase at Aintree, following on from his fine second place in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham.
His latest defeat came over two and a half miles but trainer Tom Cooper believes jumping errors rather than a lack of stamina were his downfall on the day.
“He’s come out of Aintree fine and there isn’t a bother on him,” said Cooper.
“It’s obviously a bit frustrating to be second again but he’s so consistent and ran another good race.
“It’s hard to know about the trip as he just didn’t jump as fluently over the first four or five fences as he normally does and you can’t afford to do that at the top level.
“We’ll definitely be keeping him in at Punchestown and we’ll just see how he is nearer the time before making a final decision.”
Forpadydeplasterer is one of 11 entries remaining in Tuesday’s feature event following the latest entry stage, with Master Minded and Champion Chase winner Big Zeb notable absentees.
Willie Mullins has left in Barker, Golden Silver and Scotsirish, while Master Minded’s trainer Paul Nicholls could still be represented by Twist Magic.
Joining him on the trip from Britain could be Kalahari King, an early faller in last week’s Melling Chase, and the Nick Williams-trained Cornas.
Don’t Be Bitin, Natal, Salford City and Arkle Trophy winner Sizing Europe complete the entries.
Henry De Bromhead is keeping his options open with Sizing Europe, who is also in the Ryanair Novice Chase on Thursday.
“He seems in great form. He schooled this morning and we were delighted with him. Andrew (Lynch) was down and schooled him,” said the Co Waterford trainer.
“There’s always the worry about coming back after Cheltenham, but he has had a break with a view to Punchestown, so hopefully he’ll be OK. He’s been left in both races to give us the option, so we’ll see.”
