Bose Ikard

Bose Ikard put up a good performance to finish third in the Munster National at Limerick on Sunday, and there is more to come from Noel Meade's horse.

It was significant that Ruby Walsh got down to 10st 3lb to ride him on just his fifth ride back after his return from injury (he won on his first four), so it was no surprise that he was really well backed beforehand. He travelled well down the back straight final time, and he did start to find for pressure as they left the back straight. He was not travelling as well as the winner Shanpallas or the runner-up Tom Horn at the top of the home straight, but he stayed on well over the final two fences to go down by just three parts of a length and a neck.

It was a fine performance in defeat from the Brian Boru gelding, and he left the impression that he would do even better with a stiffer test of stamina, either a more galloping track or a step up in trip or both. He has only won one chase to date, but he is progressing with experience over fences, and he was a little unlucky not to win at Clonmel 10 days before the Munster National. He is only six and he can continue to progress. He was raised 4lb for Sunday's run, but he is progressive enough to make light of that hike, and there could be a decent handicap chase in him off that mark. He probably does need good or fast ground to be at his best, so he may be one to keep in the back of your mind for the spring. It is a long way away of course, but he would not have to progress that much during the winter to be an Irish Grand National horse next spring.

12th October 2014

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