1.20 Leopardstown
Fort Leney Novice Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner €48,750
Pick: Chicago Grey (win)
Bostons Angel: Was a wide margin winner of weak novice chase but well beaten in Drinmore Novice Chase last time and has a lot to do to get involved.
Chicago Grey: Has been in sparkling form this season, especially at Cheltenham; Looked all over the winner of competitive novice chase before falling 2 out and lost no caste in defeat when going down to Time For Rupert last time, an effort which sets a good standard based on the proximity of the winner in the RSA Market.
Elysian Rock: Improving for each run (and also raising in trip), having won his last 2 on the bounce; Got a handy weight concession last time and booking of Barry Geraghty should help matters, but this is a big rise in class.
Head Of The Posse: Highlight of a memorable 6 timer for owner JP McManus when he was forced to work hard as he made it two from two over fences in the Grade 3 Ballybrit Novice Chase; Mistake ruined his chances in the Drinmore but shaped like a non-stayer in home straight.
Healy’s Bar: Decent horse but never in it for a second behind Thegreatjohnbrowne last time and needs a lot more today.
Magnaminty: Was a grade 2 winner over hurdles last season and learned the hang of chasing very quickly when winning last time out; He had already been well beaten by Thegreatjohnbrowne first time up but can be expected to run better today.
Quadrillion: Always had a good amount of ability, and went some way to transferring his bumper form to hurdles; Has only had 2 chase starts and impressive in winning last time, so not discounted for top yard.
Quito De La Roque: Useful novice hurdler last season, winning a big handicap hurdle last summer along with a listed event; Has potential to be very useful over fences and started in exemplary fashion when scoring easily at Clonmel last time; Major threat.
Thegreatjohnbrowne: Never really made most of potential over hurdles but has quickly made up for that over fences, winning beginners chase with ease and then following up with even easier win in Grade 3 at Punchestown; Every chance of following up if his form can be taken at face value; Trainer has won last 2 renewals.
Western Charmer: Useful over hurdles, coming second to Mikael D’Haugenet and Pandorama in graded hurdles; Has been extremely unimpressive chasing over, pulling up before winning ordinary race last time.
VERDICT: Noel Meade has a serious chance of landing this for the third sucessive year with Thegreatjohnbrowne, but his bare form isn’t great for the grade and CHICAGO GREY should have a great chance on his bare form if Time For Rupert is 4-1 for the RSA Chase, and he’s been fthe best of these over fences so far. Head Of The Posse is a threat if his stamina holds up, while Quito De La Roque holds a lot of potential for this trip.
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