Aupcharlie

Aupcharlie ran a cracker on just his second run over fences in the Grade 1 Topaz Novice Chase at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting to finish second to his stable companion Back In Focus.

Alan Potts' horse's jumping was super, just as it had been on his chasing bow at Gowran Park in November. He made ground at just about all of his fences and he was really nimble when he got in close. He travelled supremely well throughout in the hands of Andrew Lynch, he made ground to get right in behind the leaders over the third last fence and he jumped right up out wide over the second last to be part of a line of four up front on the run into the home straight. He was still cruising on the outside of Back In Focus as they straightened for home - he traded at 1.01 in-running for over £8,000 - but, although he jumped the final fence well, he just nodded on landing, and that ultimately probably cost him the race. He just wasn't as strong as the stamina-laden Back In Focus up the final climb, and he just failed to hold off his stable companion's late rally under an inspired Ruby Walsh.

Third in the 2011 Cheltenham Bumper on good ground, Aupcharlie should be even better over fences when he encounters a sound surface. He has a high cruising speed, he has the pace to drop back in trip, and the plan may be to keep him, Back In Focus and Boston Bob apart. He could be a two-and-a-half-mile chaser for now, he could be a Jewson horse this season. Wherever he goes next, he will be of major interest.

28th December 2012

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