Well Mounted worth a wager
The dividing of a contest means there are no less than five hugely difficult-to-solve handicaps on the programme and that could hardly be described as punter-friendly.
The feature appears the most open, but expect Arthur Moore’s six-year-old to run a big race. He first signposted that there may be a big day in him over flights when third to Victram and Moore’s Law at Down Royal in early November.
Even though that was a solid effort, the selection was a somewhat surprising favourite for the Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot in December.
Well Mounted performed well enough to finish fifth to Acambo and should at least reverse placings with Victram. The latter finished third, three lengths in front of Moore’s charge, who now reopposes on 7lbs better terms.
A spectacular racecourse gallop has seen joint top-weight Quatre Heures develop into a sustained gamble. But he seems to have a lot to do in his first handicap.
Kendor Dine, easy winner of a maiden on this track, is another who has attracted a lot of support in the ante-post market. He could be tossed in, but again this is his first ever venture into handicap company.
Others for the short-list are Lenrey, raised 15lbs for winning at Fairyhouse, and View Mount Prince, who has gone up 29lbs for landing three in-a-row.
Most interesting race is the Grade 2 Paddy Fitzpatrick Memorial Novice Chase, which brings together horses of some potential.
The only penalised contestant, One Cool Cookie, gets the nod, despite the suspicion he is better travelling right-handed.
A terrific jumper, he battled in fine style to beat the smart Kings Advocate at Limerick and is, arguably, the most reliable of the seven possibilities, none of which can be entirely ruled out.
At Punchestown this afternoon, Willie Mullins’ Alexander Taipan is napped to take the Kilteel Beginners Chase.
He was beaten a short head by Toofarback at Punchestown last time and it was 29 lengths back to the third, Clew Bay Cove.
Only Knight Legend, runner-up behind Briareus at Ascot, looks any sort of threat.
Davy Condon partners Alexander Taipan and he and Mullins can also team up to win the Panda Juvenile Hurdle with Jayo.
Successful on the level at Thurles, Jayo made a good start over jumps at Limerick when proving far too strong for Lisselan Eagle.
Top class chaser Forget The Past is fancied to enjoy a first ever success over flights in the VC Bet Hurdle. Third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup behind War Of Attrition in March, this is his first appearance of the campaign, but there are positive reports regarding his homework.
