5.30 3m. 5f. 201yds. 7 Declared. Maureen Mullins National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race) (Class 1 ) of £125,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €60,388.00 2nd - €30,188.00 3rd - €15,112.00 4th - €7,550.00 5th - €3,775.00 6th - €1,875.00 7th - €950.00 8th - €475.00
Formscan - EMBASSY GARDENS looks tailor-made for this contest, having scored with aplomb on both chase starts this season at Naas and Punchestown. The way he travelled and jumped on both occasions gives every indication that he will have no issue with the steep rise in distance and, furthermore, he is bred to get it, being a son of Shantou, who has always been a strong influence on stamina. It would also be fitting for Patrick Mullins to win this for a third year in succession, with the race being named after his late grandmother Maureen Mullins. Corbetts Cross is arguably the classiest horse in the race on the form of his Grade 1 second at Leopardstown over Christmas and a taking win at Fairyhouse prior to that. His jumping can leave a lot to be desired, though, and he looked to be coming to the end of his tether when running out at the last in the Albert Bartlett last year. Salvador Ziggy brings some solid handicap form to the table, having finished runner-up in last year's Pertemps and in the Kerry National, though he may need better ground to be seen at his best. The in-form Ben Pauling won this contest in 2019 with Le Breuil and he looks to have found a similar type in the shape of Reynoldstown winner Henry's Friend, who is an excellent three from four over fences this season.