Lexus Chase 2013

2.55 Leopardstown

Lexus Chase (grade 1) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner €93,000

Bobs Worth: Only the handful of runs but an RSA Chase, Hennessy and Gold Cup winner in his chasing career; Gold Cup (when he beat Sir Des Champs by seven lengths) and Hennessy the outstanding performances of field here and if running to form, the one to beat in no uncertain terms, but comes here with a huge cloud over him after coming nowhere when favourite for Betfair Chase on return; No explanation been given for that at all and had strong comeback too, so obvious question mark, but testing ground sure to be a massive help and stiff course right up his street; One to beat.

First Lieutenant: Involved in titanic finish to this when second in this last year and ran screamers at Cheltenham (Ryanair), Aintree (won Betfair Bowl), and Punchestown (third to Sir Des Champs); Below par comeback not necessarily a huge worry (takes time to come to himself) but ran like a sick horse in Down Royal’s Champion Chase latest; If back to form, goes close.

Foildubh: Consistent winner who turned over Rubi Ball giving 10lbs at Thurles over hurdles but most chasing form not upto this standard and not proven at this trip in what’s going to be a real slog.

Lord Windermere: Always seen as chaser in making and fulfilled that potential hand over first last year, close up third in Grade 1 over 2m5f here before staying on best to land RSA Chase; Hennessy run was a massive disappointment on return however, and despite good course record and liking for testing ground, far more needed.

Lyreen Legend: Close behind Lord Windermere on two recent occasions,  one of four that fought the finish of Grade 1 chase in February before coming runner up in RSA; Not the freshest when disappointing badly at Punchestown; Lack of recent run and letdown of RSA form a worry  despite corking record fresh.

Prince De Beauchene: Twice attempted to make, and twice missed, Grand National in April although he’d got some strong pieces of form including Bobbyjo Chase win and second; Third in Champion Chase at Down Royal but well adrift in Hennessy and not upto this company.

Rubi Ball: 16 time winner in France but best days look to be behind him judged on some of his recent efforts (last Grade 1 win came in November 2011) and disappointing when beaten on Irish debut over hurdles, receiving 10lbs from Foildubh when he jumped and rank awkwardly; Needs to find serious improvement.

Sir Des Champs: Long been earmarked as a Gold Cup horse and after successful novice season, took his time to reach peak last year before gallant second in Gold Cup and win in Punchestown equivalent; Took a horrendous fall in John Durkan on return but if over that and ready to run to peak (some of his stablemates have run well below par this week, this essentially comeback run) sure to take the beating.

Unioniste: Argument that he’s still progressing following convincing Listed win at Aintree last time out, although has a lot of work to do based on well beaten RSA fourth and third in Charlie Hall chase at Wetherby; Ground has come in his favour but improvement still needed.

VERDICT: A renewal high on class and intrigue with Gold Cup winner and form leader Bobs Worth having to answer the question of a horrendous comeback run at Haydock while Sir Des Champs comes here short of a proper reappearance thanks to a horrendous fall in the John Durkan which brings certain jumping questions into the bargain for a yard whose leading lights have disappointed in the main this week. Last year’s top novices Unionsiste, Lord Windermere and Lyreen Legend have various questions over them before some disappointing performances are bought into the equation and ex French Chaser Rubi Ball doesn’t look to be the horse of fold. If FIRST LIEUTENANT can show his best after two poor runs, then this could fall into his lap but it’s not a race for heavy staking.