Palomar

While Leopardstown and Kempton and Chepstow and Newbury were attracting the attentions of the masses over Christmas, Palomar was busy easily landing a Class 3 two-mile novices’ chase at Catterick, jumping very well and winning as easily as he liked without the need for much more than steering assistance from Davy Condon. Palomar can look very good when things go his way, as they did on three occasions last season over hurdles. The Totesport Trophy was a bridge too far last term, and he may not be one for the hurly-burly of an Arkle, but he is good in small fields when he is able to cruise in behind horses and use his turn of foot. If Nicky Richards fancied a trip to Leopardstown, he would be a fascinating contender for the Baileys Arkle, and since his owner Sir Robert Ogden’s Exotic Dancer won the Lexus at Leopardstown over Christmas, he might just have got a taste for Ireland.

28th December, 2008