At The Races Bobbyjo Chase 2012

3.30 Fairyhouse

At The Races Bobbyjo Chase (grade 2) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner €26,000

Advice: 2 pts win Prince Du Beauchene (2/1 Stan James)

Ante Post: 1 pt each/way Prince Du Beachene for Grand National (16/1 general)

Bostons Angel: Improved out of all recognition to land three Grade 1’s in his novice season, ending with a hard fought win in the RSA Chase at the festival; Not out of things when falling in the Down Royal Champion Chase but not straightforward when last of three at Sandown and then sixth in Hennessy Gold Cup two weeks ago; Could be value if right back to best in blinkers (mark’s certainly OK), but doesn’t look entirely trustworthy and form’s yet to work out; Plus for his supporters is that stable seems to be going much better now.

 

Magnanimity: 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 Jessies Dream a Leopardstown and then one of 4 in close RSA Chase finish (behind Bostons Angel); Ran two stinkers this season and hard to fancy off the back of that, despite fact he’s well weighted if he runs to his best.

Roi Du Mee: Took advantage of well below par Forpadydeplaster to win 3 runner egg and spoon race before being hammered by Kauto Stone, and well behind Apt Approach last time; Should stay well but others preferred.

 

Alfa Beat: Really impressive when winning Kerry National back in September and would have big chance despite 10lbs rise if he was to repeat that here; Negative that he failed to complete at Leopardstown but respected still.

 

Black Apilachi: Ran a screamer when second in 2010 National but well beaten before that in this race as a tune up and been off since, so can’t be backed even at tempting quotes of 20/1.

Prince De Beauchene: Won what looked like a strong renewal beforehand of the 3m Listed handicap chase that precedes the National last year, and decent enough start for this year when staying on from the back in Troytown handicap chase; Should be better for that under his belt and makes a lot of appeal here, especially with trainer looking towards Grand National for him.

Rare Bob: Would have a very decent chance here on best form, and going well in same race won by Prince Du Beauchene at Aintree when falling; Recent performances very uninspiring through and little leap of faith might be required to back him.

Quarryvale: Front runner who was particularly impressive when beating Raptor last time and deserves respect off the back of that for all that this is a far tougher task and he might be more pressured in the run upto to the race this time.

VERDICT: Bostons Angel and Mangaminity would have to be respected if back to their best but both have been dreadful this season and are bypassed until a return to form is shown. They both have to give weight to PRINCE DU BEAUCHENE, who made a really promising debut for his new yard when fifth in the Troytown, and he should be fitter now despite not having run since.