Hi all,
The drying ground at Leopardstown led to whole host of non-runners and the it probably didn’t suit Cavalry Master in the handicap hurdle.
No denying we are struggling for winners since Boxing Day but we had such a good few weeks earlier in the month that’s it’s to be expected. Hopefully thing will turn around before the new year.
There’s a good Class 2 handicap chase at Haydock that has tempted me in.
Haydock
2:00 – Just the six are set to go to post for the Class 2 Last Fling Handicap Chase but dspite the lack of runners, it doesn’t lack quality.
I fancied Classic Ben for the voided London National where he fell early. If none the worse for that mishap he’s got a good chance here.
Thomas Patrick represents the inform Tom Lacey stable. The 7-year-old looked set for a good season when running Elegant Escape to ½ length at Sandown on his seasonal return last season. He didn’t build on that promise on four subsequent starts., in fact he was dreadful albeit they were better races. First run since February but he’s just 1lb higher than his last winning mark and would take all the beating if bouncing back to his best.
Lord Du Mesnil made all to win to win the Tommy Whittle here at the last meeting. The extra two & half furlongs of this race will suit. The 6-year-old’s two wins have both come on heavy, which clearly suits and if he gets into a good jumping rhythm like he did last time he could be hard to peg back. Up 10lb but should give it a good go.
Potters Legend won here in March, off 3lb lower and is another who can’t be discounted.
Verdict: Like the bookies I find it hard to separate recent course winner Lord Du Mesnil and Thomas Patrick.
1pt win – Thomas Patrick – 3/1 – Gen
Cheers
John