Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
IMPACT X-FACTOR
IMPACT FACTOR appeals in the competitive-looking, Grade 2 Paddy Power Onside App Novice Hurdle in Naas tomorrow.
Jessica Harrington’s charge has a few pounds to find on official ratings with some of his rivals. But he looks progressive, has proven his effectiveness at two miles and two and a half. And, with more improvement likely, he might prove good enough.
Impact Factor bumped into a couple of smart novices before opening his account over two miles at Punchestown last time, when beating subsequent winners Eagle Lion and Gun Digger. Earlier, he ran creditably against Supreme Novices favourite Getabird at Punchestown (two and a half miles) and bumped into Paloma Blue at Leopardstown (two miles).
Impact Factor needs to improve again. But he looks a solid option in a fascinating race and should be involved at the business end.
Joseph O’brien’s looked an exciting prospect when scoring at Navan on his racecourse debut, when beating subsequent winners Dis Donc and Scarpeta.
But he flopped and finished very tired when a well-beaten fifth behind Next Destination when tried in a Grade 2, over two and a half miles at this venue. He must bounce back and could, back over two miles.
Gordon Elliott runs three.
boasts a Grade 1 placing and won at listed level in Punchestown last time.
impressed when powering up the hill to beat Epicuris by 16 lengths in a recent maiden over this course and distance two weeks ago. And makes his hurdling bow on the back of a bumper success at Navan in December.
The highest-rated contender is Paul Nolan’s a well-beaten third behind Dortmund Park in Thurles last time.
It’s difficult to approach this Grade 2 with confidence. But I’ll be surprised if Impact Factor is not involved at the finish.
The Grade 3 Paddy’s Rewards Chase over two miles has attracted just five runners, including last years’ winner
trained by Henry de Bromhead who has won four of the last five renewals of this race.
At the weights, Gordon Elliott’s
winner of the valuable Dan Moore at Fairyhouse last time, should have the edge.
But I’ll take a chance with his stable-companion which beat Ordinary World and one of tomorrow’s rivals
over this course and distance in November before unseating his rider at the last, when destined for fourth spot, behind the subsequently disqualified Min and Simply Ned in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown over Christmas.
Jack Kennedy’s mount must concede 9lb to Doctor Phoenix but might have the edge.