DICOSIMO WILL BE TOUGH TO DEFEAT

ALTHOUGH a flop in Galway last time, the Willie Mullins-trained Dicosimo should prove tough to beat in the Sulzer Novice Chase in Wexford today.

The French-bred six-year-old has proven largely disappointing over fences, scoring only once in 12 outings over the bigger obstacles. But today’s race and his official mark of 133 give him every chance of scoring for the champion trainers, Rich and Susannah Ricci and jockey Paul Townend.

Successful three times over hurdles, when he reached a career-high mark of 150, the Laveron gelding’s early excursions over fences included a second to Don’t Touch It at Thurles in February.

And he registered his sole chase success when beating Inis Meain over two miles and six furlongs on the same track in late March.

Since then, Dicosimo has blown hot and colt, producing some creditable placed efforts, but also disappointing on a few occasions, including behind Landofhopeandglory at Kilbeggan and, last time, when pulled up in the handicap chase won by Neverushacon in Galway.

No match for Bentelimar over two and a half miles at today’s venue, Dicosimo produced his best recent effort when beaten a length by Peregrine Run over this course and distance (two miles).

Peregrine Run advertised that form with a notable novice success in Killarney last week. And, if Dicosimo can reproduced that sort of effort, he should go close today.

Dicosimo enjoys bowling along in front. And, if allowed to do so, he should take catching. If not,

which beat subsequent winner Arkwrisht at Kilbeggan on his second chase start, or Colin Bowe’s progressive mare will take advantage.

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