Duca De Thaix
Duca De Thaix was really impressive in winning the Dan Moore Memorial Chase over 2m 1f. He was never far away from the strong pace that Kylecrue set, but he travelled well throughout. He travelled best of all into the home straight for Davy Russell, he moved up in between horses, between Three Stars and Kylecrue over the second last fence, moved easily into the lead on the run to the last, and he kept on well on the run-in to repel the late challenge of his stable companion Cubomania. Cubomania had been held up early on, and the two early leaders, Kylecrue and Three Stars, faded to finish sixth and seventh, yet Duca De Thaix was strong at the finish, even though he was never that far away from the strong early pace.
Gordon Elliott's horse has just turned six and this was just his sixth chase. The handicapper raised him by 10lb to a mark of 143 for his win over this course and distance last month, and he raised him by another 8lb for this win to a mark of 151, but he is seriously progressive, and he will still be of interest off his new mark. It is interesting that he holds an entry in the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle at Leopardstown on Dublin Racing Festival weekend, and he is fully deserving of his place among the entries.
Fairyhouse, 12th January 2019
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