One of the most eagerly awaited renewals of the Grade 1 John Durkin Memorial Chase takes place today with Sir Des Champs clashing with Flemenstar and last year’s winner Rubi Light thrown in the mix. Who will prove the best of the Irish?
Sir Des Champs is now a dual Cheltenham festival winner, once over hurdles and an impressive winner of the Jewson Novices Chase back in March. Since then he has been near the head of the market for 2013 Cheltenham Gold Cup honours and Willie Mullins obviously has upmost confidence in his imposing gelding to deliver.
If Flemenstar gets the 3 mile trip as he is perfectly entitled to, won’t that be an exciting prospect? This horse is trained by the eccentrically endearing but slightly batty character Peter Casey and his horse, to our mind, is the best jumper in Ireland. He is lightening at his obstacles, has bags of pace and his breeding suggests he should get three miles standing on his head.
This 2m4f trip will pose no problems whatsoever and provided the ground isn’t like a quagmire, he is our idea of the winner for sure. Indeed, the market has confidence in him being the better too as he has been well-supported to score.
Even if Flemenstar proves to be too pacey for Sir Des Champs over this trip, arguably he’ll have more questions to answer with regard to March and the Gold Cup over 3m2f. There is a feeling in Ireland this season though, following the retirement of Kauto Star and Denman, the demise of Imperial Commander and the apparent regression from Long Run, that the division is up for grabs and that in these two, they could have the answer. It’ll be fascinating to see how it unfolds.
Rubi Light represents the proven class horse in the race and indeed took this race last season. He thrives in testing conditions and provides a perfect target for the up-and-coming second season youngsters to aim at.
Our friends at Blue Square sponsoring the competitive handicap hurdle and an interesting beginners chase at either side of the feature event, the latter of which should see Mikael D’Haguenet take his beginner chase following a luckless second last time out. Be sure to check out their latest odds and take advantage of a £25 Free Bet For New Customers
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