Craddockstown Novice Chase 2011

1.10 Punchestown

Ladbrokes.com Bet In Running Craddockstown Novice Chase (grade 2) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner €26,000

Advice: 1 pt win Days Hotel (4/1 Ladbrokes)

Lucky William: Decent hurdler in novice days and gets a second crack at chasing having probably suffered dent in confidence when falling (set to win on chasing debut); Has since come back in style though, left clear at the last on return before then winning decent Grade 3; That form (second reopposes on better terms) looking pretty strong now and he can go well.

Days Hotel: Never really going anywhere quickly over hurdles but seemed very happy in heavy ground when winning 2m maiden hurdle at Clonmel in March; Made a taking chasing debut when outstaying his field into the ground and as he’s a big horse, might well improve for the run and also the experience; Interesting.

Delphi Mountain: Quite impressive on chasing debut when beating useful yardstick with a fair bit in hand at Killarney and solid run over hurdles when second to Princeton Plains at Listowel; Interesting here.

Foildubh: Continued progressive form since last season (won at Cork and Tramore) with three solid efforts over fences, although he’s been well beaten on all occasions; Similar task here.

Imperial Shabra: Formerly useful hurdler who is 0-12 over fences and last won in August 2010, having been placed twice in Grade 3 chases.

Monastrell: Fell when beaten over longer trip on chase debut but looked much improved for that when responding well to pressure to land 2m event at Naas; Needs more to get involved here.

Whodoyouthink: Fair hurdler who made a solid debut over fences when just going down to Lucky William here on chasing debut (first run since May); Now 3lbs better off for that run and should be competitive.

VERDICT: DAYS HOTEL is the choice in what might become a contest of all out stamina despite the 2 mile trip. Henry De Bromhead’s charge jumped soundly enough on debut to think that he could put pressure on better rivals here, and he can get at Lucky William and Whodoyouthink.