FORTUNATE MAN posted a personal best when only narrowly failing to score at Carlisle earlier this month and is unexposed as a staying chaser. He can open his account over fences here. Ikarak and Duke of Deception should also go well.
Fortunate Man
Ikarak
Duke Of Deception
3m1f Hcap Chs
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 2 places
5. Fortunate Man
J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.T: Jonjo & A.J. O'Neill
F: U131-72
Price History:
3.25
Age:
5
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
120
Days Since Last Run:
25
Verdict
€210,000 buy after winning an Irish point 18 months ago and successful on 2 of his 3 completed starts over hurdles last season. Left chase debut form behind when second of 12 in Carlisle handicap (24.5f, soft) 25 days ago and likely has more to offer yet.
3. Ikarak
J: Sean BowenT: Olly Murphy
F: 2/221168-1
Price History:
4.00
Age:
6
Weight:
11-8
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
121
Days Since Last Run:
36
Verdict
Bounced back to form, on debut for new yard, when winning 8-runner handicap hurdle (5/4) at Warwick (25f, soft) 36 days ago. Won twice over larger obstacles in France in 2022 and looks fairly treated back in that sphere. Respected.
2. Gustavian
J: Sam Twiston-DaviesT: Anthony Honeyball
F: 46U343-3P
Price History:
5.50
Age:
9
Weight:
11-9
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
122
Days Since Last Run:
26
Verdict
Sole success over fences to date came in 3-runner affair at Exeter back in February 2023 and failed to build on encouraging Badger Beer Chase return at Newcastle last month. Others more appealing.
4. Duke Of Deception
J: Ben SmithT: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
F: 42212-5P3
Price History:
6.00
Age:
7
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
120
Days Since Last Run:
19
Verdict
Three-time winner over fences who returned to best form, in first-time tongue strap, when good third of 7 in handicap chase at Wetherby (24.2f, heavy, 6/1) 19 days ago. Races off same mark here and ought to go well again.
8. Jar Du Desert
J: Charlie HammondT: Nick Kent
F: 4/104436-2
Price History:
7.50
Age:
5
Weight:
10-10
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
109
Days Since Last Run:
54
Verdict
Showed fairly useful form over hurdles for Tom George prior to making a successful chasing debut at Auteuil for N. George & A. Zetterholm in May. Not at that level for present yard but posted creditable second on return in Wetherby handicap (24.2f, good) last month and is entitled to build on that.
1. Whistleinthedark
J: Adam WedgeT: L J Morgan
F: 84809-980
Price History:
17.00
Age:
9
Weight:
12-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
127
Days Since Last Run:
12
Verdict
Winner of 4 of his 12 starts over fences but was more miss than hit last term and it's been a similar story in a trio of outings this season.
6. Busty Boy
J: Brian HughesT: Daragh Bourke
F: 5/12422-2P
Price History:
34.00
Age:
7
Weight:
11-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
113
Days Since Last Run:
25
Verdict
Successful on 3 of his 4 starts in Irish points so no surprise he left hurdles form behind when making a winning chase debut at Kelso on return last season. Made the frame on next 5 starts but shaped as if amiss on return at Carlisle earlier this month.