2.55 Leopardstown
Arvika Legionnaire: Lightly raced but immense promise at
spring festivals two years ago when cantering in Albert Bartlett but failing to
stay the trip and destroying opposition dropped down to minimum trip in novice
hurdle at Punchestown; Outstanding in his two novice chases this season, destroying
Grade 1 winning hurdler Dedigout from the front at Fairyhouse; Drop in trip no
problem and neither will ground be, so has to have a big chance here.
Baily Green: One of the most improved horses in the country
this season, 6 straight wins over fences including hat trick of graded events
latest before close defeat when giving weight in Grade 2 (Oscars Well fell at
second); This far tougher.
Benefficent: Former point winner who sprung 50/1 shock in Deloitte Novice
Hurdle last year (exposed since); Won at Down Royal on second attempt at
chasing in good style and better stuill when close second at Newbury; This far
shper test and others make more appeal.
Dylan Ross: Very smart novice hurdler last season, second on four occasions between beginning of
the season and Cheltenham Festival after stylish maiden hurdle success, and back
on track after dreadful round of jumping (fell) on chasing debut when stylish
winner soon afterwards but regressive display when miles behind Oscars Well and
others make more appeal.
Oscars Well: Not able to quite match his novice hurdling
form in senior ranks last year, but showed enough in Grade 1’s over 2 miles to
know that he is still a serious horse and much the best of these on hurdling
form; Beginning to look just as good over fences as he did novice hurdling,
winning two completed starts in sumptuous style from the front with impeccable
jumping; This by far his stiffest test but well capable of laying down Arkle
marker here.
VERDICT: One of the duels of the Christmas
period and season so far. Arvika Leigonniare has looked special in winning his
two chase starts but OSCARS WELL looks to have regained the spark that made him
so exciting as a novice hurdler in his two chasing successes this season and at
a slightly bigger price, he edged a tight vote between these two Arkle
contenders. The other three are good in their own right but the favourites look
to be in a different class
Racing Post Novice Chase (grade 1) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner €55,250
Advice: 2 pts win Oscars Well (7/4 general)
Ante Post: 1 pt each/way Oscars Well for Arkle (10/1 general)
Arvika Legionnaire: Lightly raced but immense promise at
spring festivals two years ago when cantering in Albert Bartlett but failing to
stay the trip and destroying opposition dropped down to minimum trip in novice
hurdle at Punchestown; Outstanding in his two novice chases this season, destroying
Grade 1 winning hurdler Dedigout from the front at Fairyhouse; Drop in trip no
problem and neither will ground be, so has to have a big chance here. Baily Green: One of the most improved horses in the country
this season, 6 straight wins over fences including hat trick of graded events
latest before close defeat when giving weight in Grade 2 (Oscars Well fell at
second); This far tougher. Benefficent: Former point winner who sprung 50/1 shock in Deloitte Novice
Hurdle last year (exposed since); Won at Down Royal on second attempt at
chasing in good style and better stuill when close second at Newbury; This far
shper test and others make more appeal. Dylan Ross: Very smart novice hurdler last season, second on four occasions between beginning of
the season and Cheltenham Festival after stylish maiden hurdle success, and back
on track after dreadful round of jumping (fell) on chasing debut when stylish
winner soon afterwards but regressive display when miles behind Oscars Well and
others make more appeal. Oscars Well: Not able to quite match his novice hurdling
form in senior ranks last year, but showed enough in Grade 1’s over 2 miles to
know that he is still a serious horse and much the best of these on hurdling
form; Beginning to look just as good over fences as he did novice hurdling,
winning two completed starts in sumptuous style from the front with impeccable
jumping; This by far his stiffest test but well capable of laying down Arkle
marker here. 
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