Psycho

Psycho ran well for a long way in the beginners’ chase won by Sports Line at Navan on Sunday, much better than his finishing position suggests. He was never at home on the heavy ground, but he travelled well for a long way and he jumped well on this, his belated chasing bow. He is late enough coming to the chasing game, but he was such a classy hurdler that he is still of significant interest, and he can more than pay his way. Second in the Pierse Hurdle last season and second in the County Hurdle the season before, it is not improbable that trainer Tony Martin has one of the big handicap chases in mind for him this season. Given his liking for good ground, his proven ability to handle Cheltenham’s contours, and the fact that novice chasers tend to do well in the race, the Grand Annual at the Festival in March could be on his long term radar.

22nd November 2009