Powers Gold Cup 2012

4.30 Fairyhouse

Powers Gold Cup (Grade 1 Novice Chase) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner €58,500

Advice: 1 pt Call The Police top 2 finish (13/8 Ladbrokes)

Bishopfurze: Useful hurdler who’s 2 from 3 over fences (travelling well when he fell at Thurles) two starts back; Evidently very useful and deserves respect having been sent here although good ground a possible issue and this a steep step up in class.

Call The Police: Plenty of class over hurdles (runner up to Final Approach in MCR Hurdle); Won for first time since February on his chasing debut with easy win at Gorwan and solid second to Last Instalment in Fort Leney; Miles behind front two in RSA but those a very good pair of horses, has proven he’s good enough for this class of race, and must be given a major chance here.

False Economy: Has a decent line of form for chasing through his defeat of Irish National favourite Four Commanders at Limerick on chasing debut in October; Fit from flat when winning over hurdles there earlier this month and while Barry Geraghty is a decent pointer towards the horse’s chances.

Flemenstar: Has been one of the stories of the season, really making waves with his most impressive performance visually in Irish Arkle two starts ago, before drawing well away from Frisco Depot for his fourth win in a row last time out; Best form in this field by some way and only worry for some would be quicker ground than some feel that he wants.

Gift Of Dgab: Won impressively at Limerick on chasing debut but since been put in his place by Invictus and Flemenstar; Wants this better ground but not sure he’s good enough in any case.

Rathlin: One of the most improved novice chasers in training (held high class hurdles form including a fifth in an excellent renewal of the Supreme), following up his two easy wins with an on the bridle win in the Nas Na Riogh Novice Chase last time out; Best form is on good as hurdler so not inconceivable that he could improve once again for this; Major player.

White Star Line: Ran a belter when second to Hunt Ball (although well beaten) in the novice handicap at Cheltenham Festival last time; That might be more of his sphere and others preferred here.

VERDICT: The last time Flemenstar ran on ground that was good he was fourth behind Lambro in a Graded novice hurdle at Fairyhouse. I’m convinced he’s improved a large amount since – as shown by his hugely impressive four timer over fences – and he’ll be winning this if the Gold Cup is to be mooted as a prospect for next season, but 11/10 has become just a bit short today and a more sensible option might be to back CALL THE POLICE – third in the RSA Chase last time but more importantly ahead of Lambro when second to Last Instalment in the P.J Moriarty – for a top 2 finish. The 13/8 about him doing so is far more value than the evens on him beating current second favourite Rathlin, who seems sure to enjoy the better ground but also takes a major step up in class, while he’s ideally placed to take advantage of a slip up from the favourite.