Farclas

Farclas ran a big race to finish third in the Paddy Power Chase. He was a little keen early on for Jack Kennedy on this, his first run over three miles, but he settled into a good rhythm, just behind the leaders. Gordon Elliott’s horse travelled well out of the back straight and he jumped the second last fence well, which took him into a share of fourth place as they raced to the home turn. He came under pressure as they straightened up and, while he couldn’t get to Castlebawn West, he kept on well over the last and up the run-in to finish third.

This was a really good run by Farclas on just his second run since he won a novices’ chase at Roscommon in June 2019. It was his first foray too beyond two miles and five furlongs, and he saw out the trip well, which gives him options. Winner of the Triumph Hurdle in 2018, he has raced just five times over fences, so he has the scope to go beyond his mark of 143, up just 1lb for this run, which was more than fair. Just turned seven, he will be of interest in another staying handicap chase now, and the fact that he has high-class Cheltenham Festival form means that he will be of interest if he goes to Cheltenham for one of the staying handicap chases in March.

Leopardstown, 27^th December 2020