John Durkan Chase runner-by-runner guide as Envoi Allen faces 9 classy rivals

Who do you fancy in Punchestown's big race on Sunday?

By / Horse Racing Tips / 2 years ago

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change

Punchestown racegoers are in for a treat on Sunday as a super 10-runner field has been declared for the John Durkan Memorial Chase (2pm).

Willie Mullins’ Allaho is the leading horse on ratings after a comprehensive victory in last season’s Ryanair Chase over the 2m 4½f distance but rising star Envoi Allen bounced back to his best in a Grade 2 at Down Royal in October and is the favourite with Paddy Power.

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Fakir D’Oudairies delivered a cracking performance on seasonal reappearance in last month’s Clonmel Oil Chase, Grand National winner Minella Times makes his first appearance since April’s dazzling victory in the world’s greatest steeplechase, while Punchestown was the scene of Kemboy‘s greatest triumph when he triumphed in the 2019 Gold Cup.

Asterion Forlonge, Franco De Port, Janidil, Melon and Tornado Flyer complete the field – and you can swot up on all the John Durkan Chase runners below.

Allaho

Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: Mr P. W. Mullins Age: 7 Weight: 11st 12lbs

Top-class chaser. 6/4, good 5½ lengths second of 6 to Chacun Pour Soi in William Hill Champion Chase at this course (16f, good to soft). Off 7 months. Back up in trip. Sets the benchmark.

Asterion Forlonge

Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: B. J. Cooper Age: 7 Weight: 11st 12lbs

High-class chaser. Career best when winning 15-runner handicap chase at this course (21f, good to soft, 11/4), easily. Off 7 months and this is a stiff reappearance.

Envoi Allen

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead Jockey: Rachael Blackmore Age: 7 Weight: 11st 12lbs

High-class chaser. 4/11, didn’t need to be at best when winning 6-runner Gr 2 chase at Down Royal (19.6f, soft) 36 days ago by 22 lengths from Echoes of Family, kept up to work. Can build on that.

Fakir D’Oudairies

Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien Jockey: M. P. Walsh Age: 6 Weight: 11st 12lbs

Top-class chaser. 1 win from 2 runs this season. 5/4, career best when winning 4-runner Clonmel Oil Chase at Clonmel (20.7f, heavy) 24 days ago by 15 lengths from Royal Rendezvous, easily.

Franco De Port

Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: Bryony Frost Age: 6 Weight: 11st 12lbs

Very smart chaser. Latest win in chase at Leopardstown in December. Fell in Champion Novices’ Chase at this course (24.6f, good to soft, 40/1) won by Colreevy. Off 7 months.

Janidil

Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: J. S. McGarvey Age: 7 Weight: 11st 12lbs

High-class chaser. 16 lengths second of 4 to Energumene in Ryanair Novices’ Chase at this course (16f, good to soft, 4/1), no match for winner. Off 7 months. Back up in trip.

Kemboy

Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: D. E. Mullins Age: 9 Weight: 11st 12lbs

Top-class chaser. Course winner. Nine wins from 23 NH runs. Well-beaten fourth of 6 to Clan Des Obeaux in Punchestown Gold Cup (4/1) at this course (24.6f, good to soft). Off 7 months.

Melon

Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: B. Hayes Age: 9 Weight: 11st 12lbs

Very smart chaser. Pulled up in Punchestown Gold Cup at this course (24.6f, good to soft, 12/1) won by Clan Des Obeaux, pulled up eleventh. Off 7 months. Very hard to make a case for.

Minella Times

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead Jockey: Mr D. O’Connor Age: 8 Weight: 11st 12lbs

Very smart chaser. Career best when winning 40-runner handicap chase at Aintree (34.3f, good to soft, 11/1), suited by increase in trip. Off 7 months. Trainer going well. Plenty to find on form.

Tornado Flyer

Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: D. J. O’Keeffe Age: 8 Weight: 11st 12lbs

High-class chaser. Creditable 12½ lengths third of 11 to Allaho in Ryanair Chase (Festival Trophy) (25/1) at Cheltenham (20.6f, good to soft), going in snatches. Off 8 months.

Timeform Verdict: Willie Mullins saddles 7 in what could turn out to be a vintage John Durkan. ALLAHO’s devastating Ryanair win is the best piece of form on offer and with fitness seriously unlikely to be an issue, he looks the value play. Envoi Allen’s limit hasn’t been reached and he has race fitness on his side, as does Fakir D’oudairies.

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