Rubi Light to shine ?
Published On December 28, 2011 |
Uncategorized
Day three of the Christmas festival at Leopardstown with the valuable Lexus Chase taking centre stage on an exciting seven race programme. Nine runners line up for the big race although sadly the real star of the show Denman will not be part of the field having been recently retired .Never mind, we do have an eclectic line up of seasoned chasers (Joncol and Noland) mixed in with the cream of the new crop (Quito De La Roque and Rubi Light) in a race which will surely shed some light on Ireland’s chances of regaining the Cheltenham Gold Cup for the first time since War Of Attrition in 2006.
Quito De La Roque ,one of two Gigginstown runners in the race, really is on an upward curve. A grade two victory at Aintree was quickly followed up with an impressive win in the grade one novices at the Punchestown festival. However he really announced himself as a potential Gold Cup player when recording an emphatic victory in the champion chase at Down Royal in November. He looks to one to beat ,but do bear in mind he is not always foot perfect and some of the mistakes he has made thus far in his career would have put a lesser horse on the deck. No margin for error in this company !
Rubi Light is undoubtedly the enigma horse in the race. Bundles of class, as demonstrated by his impressive win in the Durkan Chase at Punchestown a few weeks back .He’d be a short price over two and a half miles but can he cope with this three mile trip today? .An extroverted exciting talent who Andy Lynch may try and hold up for a late effort this afternoon.
Paul Nicholls knows how to win this race having tasted victory with What A Friend and Denman in recent years and today relies on Noland to represent the stable. Winner of the Durkan Chase in 2008 we last him when he beat a decent field in the Aon at Newbury last February .He’s had a somewhat truncated career but if anywhere near the form of a couple of seasons ago could well make his mark today.
Cooldine was pulled up in the race a year ago when sent off joint favourite and as yet there is no evidence to suggest he is the same horse that was successful in the RSA at Cheltenham in 2010. Joncol will have his supporters and the evidence of his latest run over an inadequate two and a half miles suggests he may take his measure on Rubi Light today. However militating slightly against his chances are the fact that this is his third attempt at winning the Lexus having finished third in both 2009 and 2010.
Nina Carberry partners Roberta Goldback but he will need everything to fall into place if he is to win. Jonjo sends Synchronised over and while he is an admirable staying chaser he does looks to have it to do on official ratings. Follow The Plan hasn’t been seen since winning at Punchestown earlier in the year while Magnaminity, who on jockey bookings looks the Gigginstown second string,is another having his first run after an absence.
Other highlights on the card are the clash of the Gigginstown pair,First Lieutenant and Last Instalment in the grade one novices at 1.25 while the consistent mare Volar La Vedette attempts to win over three miles for the first time this afternoon in the staying hurdle at 2.00 ,a race where she will have most to fear from Mourad,a horse going for back to back victories in this contest.
Enjoy Leopardstown today and do remember to call us here at Star Spreads for all the latest market positions available on today’s racing. You won’t be disappointed !
Donal
