Home James
BERLAIS CAN BE TOP LEOPARDSTOWN NOVICE
(1.10) has solid each-way claims at Leopardstown in the mares’ handicap hurdle.
WAVE your betting wand and back JAMES DU BERLAIS (1.40) to see off Mighty Potter this afternoon in the Grade One Ladbrokes Novice Chase at Leopardstown.
The last named is unbeaten in two chase starts this season but to my eyes has been more workmanlike than authoritative and he may struggle to keep tags on my selection, who hosed up by no less than 15 lengths on his fencing debut at Fairyhouse.
Of course, the Willie Mullins charge will have to take a big step forward here but his high-cruising speed matched by his quick jumping could have his five rivals in trouble a long way from home.
BLUE LORD (2.10)
was hugely impressive over course and distance last time out and another impressive success in the
Grade One Ladbrokes Dublin Chase could see him leap to the top of the Queen Mother Champion Chase betting.
However, he will not be any kind of price, whereas TAKE ALL (2.40) will go off at double-digit odds but looks worth a solid each-way play in the Bulmers Handicap Chase.
The 10-year-old looked all set to play a part in the finish of the Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Christmas only to weaken in the final quarter mile. This drop down to an intermediate trip looks perfect.
That remarkable mare, Honeysuckle, bids to land the Irish Champion Hurdle for the fourth consecutive time but having lost her unbeaten record over hurdles in the Hatton’s Grace, I fancy she may have to give best to the younger pair VAUBAN (3.10) and Slate Man. Last year’s Triumph Hurdle winner has steadily been running into form and may reverse recent C&D form with his stablemate from the Matheson Hurdle. Former smart middle distance Flat performer High Definition made an impressive hurdles debut over the course and distance over Christmas but dealing with FACILE VEGA (3.40) in the Grade One Tattersalls Novice Irish Hurdle is a different proposition. The best bet at Musselburgh could come in the Bet365 Scottish Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with TOOTHLESS (2.25) expected to reel in the likely leader General Officer under Harry Cobden. The Paul Nicholls’ charge hosed up on his debut at Fakenham and has a bright future ahead of him. Later on at the Edinburgh track, COLTOR (2.55) can land the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle Qualifier.
SI ELEGANT (1.33) could be the best wager on the card at Hereford when he kicks off proceedings in a maiden hurdle.