Is there any stopping Impaire Et Passe in Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase?

Impaire Et Passe is the obvious one to beat after scoring on his chase debut at Fairyhouse in straightforward fashion and it's hard to see how his rivals can lower his colours given his rating over hurdles. There is little to suggest he can't match, or even eclipse, those heights over fences.

The six-year-old put in a stunning display when landing the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham last year when he blasted clear of proper Grade 1 horses such as Gaelic Warrior, Champ Kiely and Good Land. He was beaten in his first three starts in open company over hurdles but playing second fiddle to the likes of Teahupoo and State Man was no disgrace.

He was a shade fortunate to get back to winning ways in the Aintree Hurdle given the interference with Langer Dan and Bob Olinger, denying the latter by a nose. Those who took the 2-13 odds at Fairyhouse would have been panicking when he hit a brief flat spot after the second-last but he really began to charge forward when he got daylight up the inner and put 12 lengths between himself and Staffordshire Knot. It was a very satisfying introduction and it's hard to see him being beaten here.

Sa Majeste showed a good attitude to repel Shannon Royale at Tipperary and was a good second to the reopposing Search For Glory at Galway but needs a big step forward and might want more rain.

That Galway race was run in a good time so Search For Glory is a danger, and he would have beaten Stellar Story at Punchestown had he not made a mess of the last. That rival may have let down the form on Thursday but the run was too bad to be true. Search For Glory is the biggest danger to Impaire Et Passe but this trip is on the sharp side for him.

Mirazur West's form at Tipperary was boosted with Only By Night following up at Cork, and going right-handed will suit him. But he was very keen when tried over a similar trip last season over hurdles so a watching brief is advised.

Good Land: Grade 1-winning novice hurdler could outrun his oddsCredit: Patrick McCann

The outsider to consider may be Good Land given he ran quite an encouraging race on his chase debut at Navan when third to Ile Atlantique, with the reopposing Waterford Whispers splitting the pair. A Grade 1-winning novice hurdler, he was reappearing after 21 months on the sidelines due to a tendon injury so improvement can be expected and he has a squeak if recapturing his hurdles form.

Jordans showed what he is capable of when landing Grade 3 honours at Punchestown on his penultimate start before being brought down last time. He could go well at a nice price but would not want much more rain.

What they say

Barry Connell, trainer of Good Land
He's in good form. It's not ideal running in a Grade 1 when you're still a maiden over fences but he's very much ground dependent so we couldn't bring him to Leopardstown. He'll get some valuable experience here and we can look at a beginners afterwards.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Impaire Et Passe, Mirazur West and Sa Majeste
Impaire Et Passe was very impressive on his chasing debut at Fairyhouse and has a favourite’s chance. Everything should suit him, but he might not get it all his own way. Mirazur West is a good sort and conditions will suit him too while Sa Majeste was a course winner last season.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Jordans
He steps up slightly in distance and was unlucky to get brought down the last day. It looks a competitive Grade 1, but I think he's got a live each-way chance.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Search For Glory
He's a nice horse, one we always thought would be better over fences than he was over hurdles. He was just beaten in a very messy race at Punchestown. He's better than the bare form and he's got a chance.

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Waterford Whispers
He's a nice horse and ran well at Navan and hopefully he will come on for it. I've been happy with him since.

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