Lastoftheleaders

Lastoftheleaders put up a nice performance to finish second to Peak Raider in what looked like a decent two-mile-one-furlong Grade B handicap chase at Fairyhouse on Wednesday. Arthur Moore’s gelding travelled well throughout, just racing on the outside of runners in about mid division for David Casey. He moved up going well on the turn into the straight, and produced his challenge in the centre of the track. He may have got slightly outpaced for a few strides after the second last, just when Jayo and Peak Raider moved up beside him going well, but there was a lot to like about the way he picked up again when Casey asked him to after a good jump at the last. He couldn’t get to Peak Raider, who did look very smart in winning, but he headed Jayo before the line, and these three finished five lengths clear of Loup Du Saubouas back in fourth.

This was a very pleasing effort from the son of Supreme Leader. He was no match for the winner, but that horse looks more than useful at this stage. Jayo is also a fairly useful sort on his day and altogether the form has a fairly solid look, with the time of the race only three seconds slower than the one Golden Silver clocked in a Grade 2 chase over the same distance half an hour earlier.

Lastoftheleaders himself looks like a progressive sort now, and he has the profile of a typical Arthur Moore chaser, with whom the trainer is exercising typical patience. He was a good winner of his previous race, a beginners' chase at Navan, and this was only his fourth start over fences. The handicapper has raised him just 3lb for this, and he will be of interest wherever he goes next. Two miles and soft ground suits him well.

15th December 2010

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