27th-Jan-2013

I think that Rupert Lamb should be favourite for this, and he is worth backing at 5/2.

Formerly with Howard Johnson, Graham Wylie’s horse ran a really nice race on his debut for Willie Mullins in a beginners’ chase at Navan, despite the fact that he was beaten a distance into fourth place by the winner Sword Of Destiny. He travelled and jumped well, and looked a real player in the race before lack of a recent run – he had been off the track for a year and a half – seemed to take its toll.

He travelled well through his next race as well, in a two-mile-five-furlong contest at Fairyhouse, and looked a likely winner when he moved up to challenge Golanbrook on the run to the final fence. While he got the better of Tom Foley’s horse, he was just out-stayed by Western Leader, who kept on well on the far side. He should improve again for that experience, and the drop down to an extended two miles today should suit him well.

Prima Vista is a big danger, he was a classy hurdler and was rated far superior to Rupert Lamb over the smaller obstacles, but it is disappointing that Noel Meade’s horse hasn’t managed to win a chase yet in four attempts, and Rupert Lamb jumps fences so well that he may just have the favourite’s measure.

RUPERT LAMB WON (ADV 5/2, SP 5/2)