Puppy to stoke it up on Notus ?
Published On December 24, 2011 |
Uncategorized
The inaugural running of the Racing Post chase forms the centrepiece of a competitive looking seven race card at Leopardstown on Monday.I just can’t wait to see how Bog Warrior gets on. He was awesome at Navan and looked different class at Fairyhouse in the Drinmore’s.He does look a bit special but dropping back to two miles may be reason enough for layers to get him in the bag. Pace will be all important here and Puppy Power’s mount Notus De La Tour,a rare Dave Pipe runner here in Ireland,will be shovelling on the coal from the start although it is hard to get away from a slightly disappointing run at Exeter on his latest start.
Blackstairmountain undoubtedly has the potential to be a big danger to all. He came through his trial at Clonmel without any great fuss a few weeks back, although the form book suggests that when the boxing gloves are donned, he was found to have had a glass chin on more than one occasion over hurdles. Fascinating race with plenty of variables and little doubt in my mind that the forecast favourite Bog Warrior, is currently on sale at a layers price.
Racing opens with the first of two maiden hurdles at 12.20 ,a race where French import Marasonnien could be the one to side with. A useful second to the recent Ascot winner Aeriel at Auteuil back in June of last year ,the market will undoubtedly be the best guide to his chances. J.P’s Touch Back looked useful at Thurles on his latest start and may give Marasonnien most to do here.
The second of the maiden hurdles at 12.50 looks particularly competitive.Willie Mullins looks to hold the aces here with Midnight Game,runner up to the useful Corbally Ghost on his debut and an admirable fourth in the Royal Bond Novices at Fairyhouse just a few weeks back. Danger could well be stable mate Theleze,the mount of Andy Lynch. The acrid stench of burnt digits permeated the betting ring at Limerick when this mare got chinned on her Irish debut last month.In receipt of the gender allowance here she could be worth a small saver in this event.
The Juvenile Hurdle at 1.20 is a complicated affair with many contradicting from lines to be assessed. Sam Bass looks about the best of the bunch although J.P’s recent acquisition Celebrity Sevi could be of interest if the market speaks in his favour. Final mention for Eddie O’Grady’s Gallic import Pur Style, a filly who ran a close third in a Grade Three Hurdle at Auteuil just last month.
Onto the first of the handicaps at 1.50 ,a two mile event over hurdles. The Tallow trained Ghareer will have benefited from a recent Limerick run and remember was a winner here at Leopardstown over timber at this meeting last year. Gerry Keane’s consistent mare Ferry Point is another to consider under Tramore pilot Shay Barry,while Harold’s Cross landed a nice old touch on his latest start and despite a steadier of nine pounds here is still favourably treated over hurdles relative to his chase rating.
The handicap chase at 2.55 looks difficult enough from a punting perspective. Jigalo finished third in this race last year and runs at the festival for the fourth year in a row. Mondello based Arthur Moore has trained the winner of this race three times in the last ten years and his entry Sorceror is another likely sort. Finally Nina teams up her with dad Tommy aboard the consistent Peak Raider who finished second in a classy handicap at Fairyhouse on his latest start and is entitled to run well here.
The bumper brings the curtain down on the first day of the festival. Plenty in with chances too including The Gigginstown horse Bright New Dawn ,who finished second to the useful Venture Capital at Fairyhouse a few weeks back. The grey Champagne Fever ran away with his point to point at Quakerstown on his only start to date and has his first run for Willie Mullins today. Meanwhile Tom Nagle’s The Mighty Milan ran into the useful Corbally Ghost at Thurles last month and do remember third and fourth in that race have won their bumpers in good style since. Could be the each way play against the front two perhaps?
Enjoy day one of the Festival here at Star Spreads and remember to call us for news of the latest market positions available from all of Monday’s meetings. You won’t be disappointed!
Donal
