Houdini to weave magic at Leopardstown

Davy Fitzgerald has decided to keep Operation Houdini at home in Ireland on Saturday for the Paddy Power Chase rather than contesting the Coral Welsh National.

Luck has not been with the gelding this season as he was disqualified and placed second in the Cork Grand National and finished in the same position in the Troytown Handicap Chase.

The sponsors of the Leopardstown event have trimmed him into 10-1 favourite from 12-1.

Fitzgerald reported: “We’ve ruled out Chepstow and we’re going to Leopardstown.

“I couldn’t be happier with the horse and everything has gone to plan. He’s fit, well and healthy and will take his chance. It’s still a few days away and I wish it was sooner rather than later.”

Reflecting on the decision, he added: “The Paddy Power is a valuable pot, we don’t have to travel and he has a nice racing weight.

“The English handicapper has him off a mark 5lb higher than in Ireland.

“My one worry is that he wants further than three miles and a bigger test of stamina, but the Paddy Power is competitive and they go a good gallop.

“Three miles on soft ground can be the equivalent of further and that’s the way I’m hoping – Leopardstown will take a bit of getting and he does nothing but stay.

“He has to have a bit of luck on his side, but he’s been knocking on the door.”