Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase
Grade 1, Leopardstown 14:55
€150,000 guaranteed
5yo plus,
2m 1f, Class 1  
Saturday 1st February 2025

FreeRacingTips

This Grade 1 contest over 2 miles and 1 furlong has attracted a select field of nine top-class novice chasers, promising a thrilling spectacle.

Key Contenders:

  • Ile Atlantique: Trained by Willie Mullins, Ile Atlantique has been impressive this season, notably with a commanding Grade 2 victory at Naas, where he defeated notable rivals Firefox and Inthepocket. His blend of speed and jumping prowess makes him a leading contender. 

  • Inthepocket: Representing Henry de Bromhead, Inthepocket boasts Grade 1 success and has shown resilience despite injury setbacks. An impressive comeback win has positioned him as a formidable challenger, aiming to reaffirm his status among the elite novice chasers. 

  • Firefox: From Gordon Elliott's yard, Firefox has demonstrated consistent form, including a commendable second-place finish behind Ile Atlantique at Naas. With tactical versatility, he remains a significant threat in this competitive field. 

  • Majborough: Another from Willie Mullins' stable, Majborough impressed with a victory at Punchestown in October. While stepping up in class, his potential under Mullins' guidance cannot be underestimated. 

  • Jeannot Lapin: Trained by Gearoid O'Loughlin, Jeannot Lapin caused a stir with a surprise win at Leopardstown's Christmas Festival. His current form suggests he could be a dark horse in this lineup. 

Race Dynamics:

The presence of multiple front-runners suggests a strong early pace, which could set the stage for a thrilling finish. Ile Atlantique's proven ability to handle such conditions may give him an edge, but with emerging talents like Inthepocket and Firefox in contention, the race is poised to be highly competitive.

Prediction:

While Ile Atlantique's recent form positions him as a favorite, the resilience of Inthepocket and the consistency of Firefox ensure that victory is far from guaranteed. Majborough and Jeannot Lapin add further depth to the field, making this year's Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase a must-watch event for racing aficionados.

BetGoodwin

Arkle Novice Chase
(Grade 1) 2m 1f, €150,000 guaranteed
9 entries
Going:

NO. FORM HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY
1 /13-13 Down Memory Lane 7 11-12 Gordon Elliott
2 22-132 Firefox 7 11-12 Gordon Elliott
3 -11711 Here Comes Georgie 7 11-12 Patrick Neville
4 357-11 Ile Atlantique 7 11-12 W P Mullins
5 1/2-13 Inthepocket 8 11-12 Henry De Bromhead
6 33P-1 Jeannot Lapin 6 11-12 Gearoid O'Loughlin
7 5-21U2 Jordans 6 11-12 Joseph O'Brien
8 41-212 Touch Me Not 6 11-12 Gordon Elliott
9 1/31-1 Majborough 5 11-10 W P Mullins

Boylesports