Punchestown 2014 - Growise Champion Novice Chase

6.40 Punchestown

Growise Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)
Winner €55,800

Advice: 4 pts win Morning Assembly (9/4 general)

Ballycasey: Always seen as a chaser in the making; Well behind Morning Assembly in Grade 1 when disappointing last year but much better over fences since, showing great deal of speed to land 2 mile beginners event at Navan; Showed plenty of stamina when landing PJ Moriarty, distancing Don Cossack in good style towards the end, and fair run in RSA although 3 miles seemed toe stretch him as Morning Assembly took third place; Tipped up when going best in what was set to become a 2 runner race in the Powers Gold Cup latest; Stamina issue again in play here and worry about such quick reappearance.

Carlingford Lough: Ahead of Morning Assembly in Topaz Novice at Christmas (previously second to Don Cossack in Drinmore), and would have played big part in finish he had not tipped up in Moriarty, for all that his jumping again the problem when he cost himself any chance of success in RSA, finishing laboured sixth, well behind Ballycasey and Morning Assembly; If jumping is of same standard as it was pre Christmas, then can be given chance of reversing that form. 

Don Cossack: Won Drinmore Novice Chase earlier this season but stamina seemed to be a problem when Ballycasey finished stronger in PJ Moriarty Chase; Going well when tipping up in the RSA before things had gotten serious but no match for Holywell latest at Aintree and wonder if that run was best preparation for him today.

Morning Assembly: Improved hand over fist stepped up in trip last year, seven lengths to the good of Ballycasey over hurdles in novice hurdle here last year, and at least as good over fences, taking 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; Nailed by Carlingford Lough in the run at Leopardstown but improved past him with slicker round of jumping in RSA next time out and should take the beating here.

Mozlotov: Looked to have a big future over hurdles and perfect start when landing Navan novice event but then well beaten in Irish Arkle and only landed a soft contest outside of two falls (albeit hampered at Cheltenham) in Grade 1 events; Needs more.

VERDICT: The loss of Djakadam is a real shame as his presence would have greatly enhanced the contest, but MORNING ASSEMBLY is likely to take the beating whoever turns up and he can gain compensation for his Cheltenham effort when third in the RSA here, once again beating Ballycasey and Carlingford Lough with Don Cossack likely to take a hand too.