Big Debates

Big Debates followed up his Cork win in November by winning another two-mile handicap chase at Fairyhouse last Wednesday, making light of a 5lb hike in the ratings.  He always travelled well for Philip Enright behind a good pace that Kitty Galore set.  He moved up on the outside early in the home straight as he and Gallyhill closed on the leader and, asked for his effort on the run to the last, he rose just about in front at the last.  Despite getting in a little tight to the last and losing a little bit of momentum, he picked up well on the run-in, going on to win by six lengths from Gallyhill, who was well clear of the rest of the field.

Robert Tyner’s horse has just turned 10, but he looks like an improved horse this season over two miles. He has run over three miles in the past, and he has won a handicap hurdle on heavy ground over two miles and six furlongs, but the minimum trip looks like his optimum now.  On his last run over two miles before this season, he won a novices’ hurdle at Limerick.  The handicapper raised him by 11lb for this win to a mark of 131, but it was a good performance to beat Gallyhill, himself a progressive horse, with the pair of them clear.  A well-run two-mile chase on soft ground probably represent optimum conditions, and most of his best runs have been at right-handed tracks.

Fairyhouse, 21st December 2022