Rebel Fitz difficult to oppose

Disappointing on his recent chasing debut in Killarney, Rebel Fitz should make amends in the Irish Stallion Farms Beginners Chase in Ballinrobe this evening.

Mick Winters’ charge has let his supporters down, with the exception of a win at Cork last August, since registering a memorable success in the Guinness Galway Hurdle. But he still looks a cut above today’s rivals.

Last time, he was sent off at 4/7 to make a winning start over fences in Killarney. Ridden then, as today, by Barry Geraghty, he jumped superbly but was unable to get to grips with Arnaud (rated 16lb. inferior to him over hurdles) from the second last and was beaten five and a half lengths.