Sunday’s card at Naas kicks off with the 2m Grade 3 WhatOddsPaddy Chase (14:10). Cadmium landed the spoils 12 months ago so, now down in trip and grade, can repeat the dose.
Trained by Willie Mullins, this eight-year-old has won six of his 16 outings over fences.
After bolting up in a Grade B handicap at the 2018 Punchestown Festival, Cadmium scored further success in the Buck House Novice Chase at Punchestown.
He beat the re-opposing Ornua by five lengths and only meets the runner-up on 1lb worse terms. Cadmium should confirm the form with this headstrong rival, then.
The Early March gelding placed third behind Voix Du Reve in the Grade 2 Craddockstown in the same venue.
Although beaten nine lengths by the winner, Cadmium was only two lengths behind the re-opposing Hardline who he now meets on 5lb better terms.
He was far from disgraced when fourth in the Drinmore at the highest level around Fairyhouse when up in trip.
Previous WhatOddsPaddy Chase winner
Cadmium was just 12 1/2 lengths behind Delta Work, who has since won three other Grade 1s. That gives the form a solid look in relation to the WhatOddsPaddy Chase.
After filling the same spot in a Dublin Racing Festival handicap, Cadmium stayed on well to win this last year by three lengths.
He then chased home Darasso in the Grade 2 Webster Cup trying to give the winner 5lb.
Cadmium then enjoyed his finest hour with victory over the Grand National fences in the Topham off a 152 rating.
As he made virtually all and was ridden clear on the famous long run-in, this was an impressive six-length success.
Although Cadmium has since struggled in Grade 1 staying chases, this represents a return to calmer waters.
With soft ground no problem, and Paul Townend who has partnered him to his last two successes back aboard, he can give a far better account of himself.
Cadmium is taken at 9/4 with Betway to resume winning ways down in trip.
Andy Durfesne fancied to follow-up
Andy Dufresne took a step back in the right direction when winning a Grade 2 last time out, so can follow-up at the same level under a penalty in the 2m novice hurdle (15:10).
Trained by Gordon Elliott for JP McManus, this six-year-old is an Irish point winner who has since landed three of his four starts under Rules.
After bolting up by 10 lengths in a Down Royal bumper, Andy Dufresne was even more impressive on his hurdles bow at Navan.
He was value for more than the 11 lengths winning margin over Cobbler’s Way – a winner since and runner-up at Grade 1 level.
Andy Dufresne then got turned over when sent off at 1/3 for a Grade 2 at the same venue. The winner, Latest Exhibition, went on to score at the highest level at the Dublin Racing Festival.
As Andy Dufresne was far from disgraced in chasing him home, then also came out and won the Grade 2 Moscow Flyer when dropped back in trip in Punchestown, he has leading form claims.
Connections hold this Doyen gelding in very high regard, so – if he is to be involved in the spring festivals – he has to be winning this.
Andy Dufresne is 11/10 with Betfred to do just that giving weight all-round.
Of those with a rating, Mt Leinster comes out 4lb clear on adjusted ratings.
Also trained by Mullins, this six-year-old was useful in bumpers and has won one of three subsequent hurdles starts.
Mt Leinster beat Entoucas, who has won since, by nine lengths in a Leopardstown maiden.
When pitched in at the highest level at the Dublin Racing Festival last time out, however, the Beat Hollow gelding made costly mistakes. He needs to bounce back, then.
