6.40 Punchestown
Ryanair Novice Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1) (5YO plus)
Winner €55,799
Pick: Captain Chris (win)
Captain Chris: Has been a steady improver since going over
fences, coming second four times in a row before gaining deserved successes in
Pendil and then Arkle Chase; Looked serious chaser on upgrade when doing so and
outstanding claims here.
Osirixamix: Made a winning chasing debut with ease after
fairly bolting up in a handicap hurdle; Hasn’t gotten anywhere close to that
form or winning since and this likely to prove too tough.
Realt Dubh: Useful over hurdles and better over fences,
landing pair of Irish Grade 1 races in a month before Arkle third; Yet another
big pot landed when winner of Powers Gold Cup last time but essentially handed
that race by fall of Noble Prince two out; Can go well here but that could have
been a hard race and unlikely to reverse form with Captain Chris.
Saludos: Gained deserved success in Grade 2 event, once
again leading all the way (his preferred style of running) after running below
form in Irish Arkle (burst blood vessel); Had nice break since and with form to
match up to most in this field, not to be underestimated (likely to get easy).
Sweeps Hill: Not matched up to his promising hurdles form
over fences in three runs, suffering shock reverse on debut before coming solid
second to Realt Dubh; Shaped as if something amiss when unplaced last time out,
so while return to form isn’t impossible, it’s unlikely.
Cruising Katie: Good second in Mares’ listed event but that
form nowhere near good enough here; Beaten long way on other starts.
VERDICT: Realt Dubh will make another big bid to land his
fourth Grade 1 prize of the season, but he’s only had 11 days since his last
run in the Powers Gold Cup, a race he was lucky to win. CAPTAIN CHRIS can
confirm the Cheltenham form.
No comments:
Post a Comment