3.05 Leopardstown
Topaz Novice Chase (grade 1) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner €48,750
Advice: 3 pts win Morning Assembly (11/8 general)
Bright New Dawn: Very smart as a hurdler, third behind Jezki
here this time last year before runner up in Deloitte behind Champagne Fever
and then impressive Grade 2 winner; Amiss in March but jumped soundly in the
main and found plenty to win beginners’ chase on seasonal debut; Can go well. 
Carlingford Lough: Has been improving rapidly in handicap
ranks but took step up to graded company in his stride when second in the
Drinmore Chase latest, that following Kerry National second; Step up in trip
and softer ground should be to his advantage once again and can put up a bold
show. 
Mad Brian: Only the three runs over fences but only try at
this trip bought most improved performance when second in Troytown handicap
chase last time out; Softer ground is a plus for him but does look a tad short
of Grade 1 standard. 
Morning Assembly: Looked to be on the retreat when falling
in the Grade 2 in which Bright New Dawn was second last year but first and only
run at 3 miles bought about comprehensive Grade 1 win at Punchestown Festival;
Has taken to fences with aplomb based on win in strong contest on debut over
2m4f and then when finding more to get the better of Drinmore Chase winner Don
Cossack in 4 runner Punchestown Grade 2 latest (2m6f); Softer ground and step
back upto 3 miles looks set to suit him and is the one to beat on that
evidence. 
My Murphy: Progressive second season novice who improved
with increase in trip at the turn of the year and was going well when falling
in decent novice handicap; Flat next twice but back to this trip and ground, a
good winner latest; This a different task altogether however. 
Foxrock: Commendable efforts over hurdles when he broke his
maiden over this trip and in two starts chasing where he’s fenced well in the
main but these aren’t close to the standard he faces today. 
Sizing Rio: Respectable efforts over hurdles for chaser in
waiting who may have disappointed in Drinmore after good pair of wins to
kickstart chasing career; Upping in trip and return to soft ground should see a
different performance from him although he needs to find significant
improvement to get involved.
VERDICT: A competitive event to round out a fantastic week’s
racing. MORNING ASSEMBLY’s two chase wins are arguably the strongest form over
fences here and he has room to improve going back upto 3 miles for the first
time since his Grade 1 win over hurdles. He can beat Bright New Dawn and the
improving Carlingford Lough.
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