Failed to fire in the John Durkan and clearly no match for Douvan since over shorter trip, this a much more attainable prize and should be thereabouts.
No horse has followed Douvan around more, and that was again the case on his first start for this trainer at Leopardstown. Up in trip and big chance to come home in front.
In super order winning first two starts of this term, while form of John Durkan third has worked out strongly. Trainer won last two of these with superstar and appears to have big claims again.
Ran well at Limerick over Christmas but that form won't be enough to see him rattle some of these.
Forecasts
Sub Lieutenant (11/10), Black Hercules (11/4), Sizing John (3/1), Smashing (10/1), Letter Of Credit (80/1), Boxing Along (250/1)
With Gold Cup hero Don Cossack retired, his hat-trick bid in this race has been denied. His trainer has a leading contender in Sub Lieutenant, with two wins and a credible third on his CV this term. He could be the real deal but preference is for SIZING JOHN. He once more chased after Douvan over Christmas and has the class to snare this prize on his second start for new trainer. Black Hercules and Smashing are both going to be better suited by today's terms than their most recent starts can will surely play their respective parts in what looks a cracking race.
1. Sizing John
2. Sub Lieutenant
3. Black Hercules