Jessica to Duke it out

OUR DUKE is a hopeful choice to give Jessica Harrington back-to-back victories in the Unibet Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown tomorrow.

Harrington won the race 12 months ago with subsequent Cheltenham hero Sizing John and, this time, relies on last season’s Boylesports Irish Grand National winner, returning after a three-month break and bidding to bounce back after a lacklustre seasonal bow at Down Royal in early November.

Our Duke underwent back surgery in the wake of his disappointing run behind one of tomorrow’s rivals,

in the Jnwine.com Champion Chase.

But the eight-year-old has pleased his trainer in his recent schooling sessions. And, in a wide-open renewal of this race, he gets the nod.

Our Duke, a second season novice, has won three of his five chases, including a Grade 1 novice success over today’s course and distance and a close second to Disko over a shorter trip also at Leopardstown.

He galloped his rivals into submission in the Irish National at Easter, when racing off a mark of 153. Boasting a mark of 167, he has the potential to make the grade at the highest level. And he must prove that point tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s field includes two others trying to make the grade at the highest level after significant wins in ultra-competitive handicaps,

and

But they have a bit to find on ratings.

Outlander, twice a Grade 1 winner over fences, including the Jnwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal, boasts an excellent record at Leopardstown and finished a creditable third to Road To Respect last time, at Christmas. He looks sure to be in the shake-up.

Willie Mullins runs both the lightly-raced and relatively inexperienced the mount of Paul Townend, and an very consistent performer in top company in recent seasons, but pulled up behind Road To Respect at Christmas.

The only British challenger is Jonjo O’neill’s runner-up to Sizing John in last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, and fourth on two visits to Ireland this season, including the Christmas Chase, behind Road To Respect.