Dr. P.J. Moriarty Novice Chase

2.40 Leopardstown
Dr. P.J. Moriarty Novice Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1) (5YO plus)
Winner €52,000

Bostons Angel: Was a wide margin winner of weak novice chase but well beaten in Drinmore Novice Chase; Improved massively for the step up to a testing three miles when winning the Fort Leney Novice Chase (Western Charmer in third); Drop back in trio now sure to suit.

Magnaminity: Was a grade 2 winner over hurdles last season and learned the hang of chasing very quickly when winning second time out over fences; Beneficiary of fine tactical ride (admittedly did jump well) when turning over RSA Chase hopeful and Drinmore winner Jessies Dream over course and distance last time out; Was in receipt of 7lbs but a useful horse anyway and likely to go close.

Mikael D’Haugenet: Developed really well over hurdles in 2008/9, winning all six starts after being brought over from France, including Grade 1s at Navan, Cheltenham (a very strong renewal of the Ballymore, beating Hennessy Gold Cup winner Diamond Harry and Karabak) and Punchestown, before he was injured; Looked set to win Drinmore on return from injury but for overpitching on the last fence, but disappointing immediately afterwards when one paced fifth here at the Christmas Meeting; Bounce factor probably the reason behind his poor effort and with yard in flying form now, the one to beat if at the top of his game.

Quel Esprit: Impressed when landing Grade 3 over hurdles with ease but didn’t go on over hurdles after that, disappointing when beaten here in Grade 2 and not making impact at the Cheltenham Festival; Only had the one chase start but very impressive when beating useful Torphichen with ease (since Grade 1 placed) and likely to take big hand.

Sam Adams: Had confidence restored when beating useful Arabella Boy with ease last time out and could go well for a long way given likely small field (not likely to be too much pressure placed on jumping), so one to think about.

Western Charmer: Useful over hurdles, coming second to Mikael D’Haugenet and Pandorama in graded hurdles; Had been extremely unimpressive chasing previously, pulling up before winning ordinary race but was close third to Bostons Angel last time out; Probably unlikely to reverse the form.

VERDICT: There are many reasons why MIKAEL D’HAUGENET isn’t a reliable odds on shot but there seems to be little opposition to him and in any case he’s by far the most talented of these. Magnanimity is feared most.