6.40 Punchestown
Growise Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1) (5YO plus)
Winner €49,600
Pick: Quel Esprit (win)
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 and unable to
make impact in Fort Leney Chase last time out.
Kakagh: Made up into useful sort over fences in past year,
winning twice, but always behind when more than 60 lengths adrift of Mr Cracker
in Grade 2 chase at Christmas (well below this level) and unlikely winner
having been pulled up last time out.
Loosen My Load: Has had thoroughly consistent season, coming
third in strong Grade 2 event at Cheltenham, then fourth in Grade 1 at
Leopardstown; Has made bold bid the last twice, travelling well in Jewson
Novice Chase and gaining a second through fall of Noble Prince in Powers Gold
Cup latest; This race comes awfully soon afterwards.
Mr Thriller: Touted as serious prospect for Graded hurdles
after running out a 15-length winner of the Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle and
then beating Champion Hurdle fifth at Haydock before ground and a mark of 160
stopped those ambitions; Was going to lay down a good challenge to Time For
Rupert when falling 2 out on his chasing/seasonal debut but poor efforts since
temper enthusiasm (hasn’t seemed stayer of the trip).
Quel Esprit: Impressed when landing Grade 3 over hurdles
with ease but didn’t go on over hurdles after that; Impressive start over
fences when beating useful Torphichen with ease on one and only win to date, having fallen when
looking set to take big hand in Grade 1 chasses the last twice, in PJ Moriarty & RSA Chase at Cheltenham
latest; Can play big part in finish if keeping on his feet.
Quito De La Roque: Has been transformed by fences, winning
four from five this season, only defeat coming at the hands of RSA Chase winner
Boston Charmer; Most impressive
performance by far when recovering from sloppy round of jumping
(including catastrophic mistake 2 out) on ground presumed to be too fast for
him; That makes him one to beat here.
Reve De Sivola: Has finally recovered form over fences,
finishing an honourable third behind Bensalem and Carole’s Legacy in top
handicap chase at Cheltenham Festival, and nearly coming out on top in a scrap at
Aintree latest; That affair decent form for level but needs to brush up his
jumping.
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;
Made bold bid to lead all the way (behind Quito De La Roque & Western
Chamrer) in Fort Leney Novice Chase but eventually well behind principals that
day; Has to improve, been off 126 days, and no wins on anything faster than
good to yielding.
Western Charmer: Holds strong claims on his second in one of
strongest novice events all season at Christmas, and new career best when
second in Irish National (giving lot of weight away to winner); That effort gives
chance but drop back in trip wouldn’t help and is making a very quick
reappearance.
VERDICT: Quito De La Roque shaped like an entirely different
proposition last time out when showing immense tenacity and that makes him the
horse to beat in no uncertain fashion, but QUEL ESPRIT has always shaped like
he’d be able to take a big race if staying on his feet and he’s worth a chance
to do so today. Thegreatjohnbrowne has
some improvement to find, while Loosen My Load might find this coming a little
quickly.
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