2nd-Feb-2020

This is not as strong a race as it promised to be, with no Envoi Allen and no Abacadabras, and I think that it is worth backing Asterion Forlonge at the price.

Willie Mullins’ horse has never been beaten, he has won a point-to-point, a bumper and a maiden hurdle.  He looked good at Naas last time in winning his maiden hurdle, he was always prominent, he went on on the run to the home turn, and he just galloped his way up the home straight.

He will probably step up in trip in time, but this trip should be fine for him for now, at Leopardstown.  He should be well suited by Leopardstown’s nature, it suits galloping types, and by the stiff finish.  We don’t know how good he could be.

Easywork is a favourite to take on in my book, and it is interesting that the other two Willie Mullins horses have been backed this morning.  Mt Leinster was highly regarded as a bumper horse, and is just starting to fulfill his potential now over hurdles, while Blue Sari was a very good bumper horse, he was only just beaten by Envoi Allen in the Champion Bumper.  However, he wasn’t impressive in winning his maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse, and he was well beaten in the Grade 1 race at Leopardstown at Christmas.  If he came back to his bumper form, he would be the one to beat, but he is risky.  I much prefer Asterion Forlonge.

ASTERION FORLONGE WON (ADV 9/2, SP 4/1)