Talented I Am Maximus out to follow in Galopin Des Champs' footsteps for Mullins

Wednesday: 2.55 Leopardstown
Ballymaloe Relish Beginners Chase | 2m5f | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTE2/RTV

It was in this race 12 months ago that we witnessed the best chasing debut of the modern era according to Racing Post Ratings.

Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Galopin Des Champs dazzled on his introduction to fences last Christmas when bolting up by 22 lengths – posting an RPR of 163 – and his trainer Willie Mullins again provides the main player this time around.

I Am Maximus only just failed to collect on his chasing debut at Fairyhouse this month despite jumping out to his left on the right-handed track.

All things considered, a short-head defeat to the useful Minella Crooner rates as a commendable effort. Now tried in cheekpieces for the first time, he should be more at home going left-handed as he bids to become Mullins' fourth consecutive winner in the race.

I Am Maximus (right): narrowly denied by Minella Crooner on his chasing debut at FairyhouseCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

It is an event with a rich history, having also been won in the past decade by Gold Cup hero Lord Windermere, dual Grade 1 scorer Djakadam, and Graded class performers The Big Getaway, Snow Falcon and Easy Game, who edged out stablemate Allaho in 2019.

I Am Maximus, a 21-length fourth in last season's Ballymore Novices' Hurdle, was a useful hurdler with a BHA mark of 134 but Gentlemansgame was a superior operator in that sphere.

The Mouse Morris-trained six-year-old, rated 150 over hurdles, was last seen finishing an excellent third to Klassical Dream in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at the Punchestown festival. Provided he is sharp enough for his return from a 244-day break, he should be bang there.

Largy Debut, one of two runners for Henry de Bromhead, finished six lengths behind I Am Maximus when third at Fairyhouse last time but Rachael Blackmore now switches to chasing debutant Decimation.

The Gigginstown seven-year-old has a mark of 134 over hurdles but ran to an RPR of 142 when splitting Ashdale Bob and Gentlemansgame in a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Fairyhouse in April 2021.

Freedom To Dream needs to improve a fair bit from his 22-length defeat to Gerri Colombe at Fairyhouse, but Grand Roi may not be far away if getting back on track after a fall at the same venue in October.

What they say

Peter Fahey, trainer of Freedom To Dream
He came on a good bit the last time at Fairyhouse, and he should appreciate the nicer ground here. I'm very happy with him.

Gentlemansgame: quality hurdler makes his chasing debut at Leopardstown on WednesdayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Mouse Morris, trainer of Gentlemansgame
He seems to be in good form for his first start over fences. Whether he might need the run or not after a break, we'll have to see, but hopefully he'll take to this well.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Grand Roi
He was a smart hurdler and ran a nice race on his first start over fences at Listowel. It looked like he was still travelling well when coming down at the third-last at Fairyhouse.

Henrietta Knight, racing manager to Mike Grech, owner of I Am Maximus
He ran well on his first start over fences at Fairyhouse but I was disappointed with his jumping. He kept going out to his left so we're hoping he'll be better racing left-handed. He's got cheekpieces on as he probably needs his mind to be made up for him.

Wednesday's previews:

1.10 Leopardstown: Gordon Elliott saddles ten runners in Pertemps qualifier - but who's the pick?

1.45 Leopardstown: Can Bob Olinger earn poignant win for De Bromhead? Key Christmas Hurdle quotes

2.20 Leopardstown: Conflated spearheads Gordon Elliott trio in bid for more Savills Chase glory

3.10 Leicester: Girl power: Dame Du Soir and Ile De Jersey bid to beat the boys in Silver Fox

Limerick: 'We have a lot of time for her' - chase debut for Mullins ace Allegorie De Vassy

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