28th-Dec-2017

I am taking a chance on Road To Respect in the Leopardstown Christmas Chase at 14/1.  He still has to improve if he is going to beat Sizing John, but he should not be a 14/1 shot in my book.

It was disappointing that he didn’t beat Outlander at Down Royal last time, but he ran a massive race in defeat, after giving away all that ground by jumping to his left.  He should be much happier going left-handed again on Thursday.

Sizing John obviously sets a high standard, but he had a hard race at Punchestown in the John Durkan Chase, and he will only have had two and a half weeks to recover.  

Yorkhill is obviously a hugely talented horse, but Road To Respect beat him in the Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse last April.  Admittedly Yorkhill gave away acres of ground by going out to his left, but Road To Respect is a year younger, he has more potential for progression.

Also, while he will probably stay, Yorkhill has never been over three miles in his life.  And he has not run this season yet.  And he can be keen and fresh, especially if he hasn’t run for a while.  This may not be a two-horse race.

Road To Respect is a definite intended runner at this stage, and he is over-priced in the ante post market in my book at 14/1.

ROAD TO RESPECT WON (ADV 14/1, SP 8/1)