Punchestown Festival 2013 - Ryanair Novice Chase

6.40 Punchestown

Ryanair Novice Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner €61,999

Advice: 1 pt win Arvika Legionnaire (5/1 genereal) 

Alderwood: Came to life last spring over hurdles and has done the same thing to similar extent over fences this season, landing Grand Annual in good style before fair Aintree third behind Special Tiara; Can give a good account of himself again but possibly exposed now.

Arvika Legionnaire: Has been a disappointment in two runs this year, but earlier victories had promised much and he’s not one to be giving up on too soon despite disappointing effort at Cheltenham after falling at Leopardstown based on the impression that he gave when winning first three starts over fences, comfortably beating Oscars Well at Christmas after Drinmore romp.

Baily Green: Had already had fine season (completed seven timer) before outrunning odds when second in Arkle; Dire, dire run at Aintree (lost shoe early) but ran like tired horse and looks exposed now.

Benefficent: Vastly unheralded until now despite Grade 1 win over hurdles last season but can only be impressed by the way that he won the Jewson at Cheltenham to follow on from his Arkle win (had only Oscars well to beat after Arvika fell); Big chance here.

Buckers Bridge: Tremendous promise in first three races under rules, showing excellent attitude and jumping when winning on chasing debut, but disappointments in two Grade 1 races and looks a stayer despite Grade 2 win over 2m1f.

Oscars Well: Hasn’t quite gone on from promising start which suggested that he could recapture best of his novice hurdle form – and well held behind Realt Mor latest in Powers Gold Cup.

Realt Mor: Transformed since moving to Gordon Elliot, winning beginners chase by wide margin and then lading them all a merry dance in Powers Gold Cup; This a shorter trip (with competition for the lead likely) but if able to dictate from the front then can’t be discounted.

Speical Tiara: Caused a massive upset with Aintree win last week, when it seemed as if he was flattered by Overturn having gone far too hard from the front late on, albeit showing tenacity in finish; Respected but lack of recovery time from such a hard effort a little disconcerting. 

Texas Jack: Considering the strength of his efforts in January and February (beat Lord Windermere, who went onto win RSA, and then only a nose behind Boston Bob), he was disappointing when only seventh in Jewson and wants longer.

Dazzling Suzie: Liked to lead and at a good pace too, but well behind the best on form here.

VERDICT: A cracking race and anyone of 6 could win. ARVIKA LIEGIONNIERE’s season has taken a slide since the turn of the year but he’s amongst the best of these based on his earlier chasing form and this trip and ground will suit him more than most here. If back to his best, he can beat Benefficent, Realt Mor, and Special Tiara.