16:40 Leopardstown
Sunday 5 March 2017
All14:1014:4015:1015:4016:1016:4017:10
Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase
- 5YO plus  |  2m 5f 60y  |  Soft to Heavy  |  13 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 16:42Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 5m 47.0s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Ran well enough around here in December when fourth of 12 to suggest he'll be competitive off 1lb higher mark.
Into his teens now but ran a rock solid race at Naas in January behind The Gatechecker (runs in previous race) off this rating. Goes up in trip and should have a say in a race he won 12 months ago.
Lightly raced for his age, has excelled in two starts since joining this trainer. Game winner at Punchestown in January and went down all guns blazing at Fairyhouse last month. Positive tactics appear to have him thriving and should be more of the same now.
Much better effort at Naas in January, finishing a length off Mr Goodenough in fourth spot. Will be competitive if able to repeat that effort.
Got the better of Tulpar in a thriller at Fairyhouse last month, perhaps paid for those exertions when turned out quickly again over longer trip at Thurles. Up in the ratings since but should go well.
Nine-race maiden over fences, recent efforts have been underwhelming and pulled up latest at Fairyhouse making him hard to recommend right now.
Pulled up in two outings since joining this yard, one in a point-to-point and at Limerick over Christmas. He isn't one to rely upon and having shown a tendency to jump to his right, this track may be a concern.
More than two years and ten runs since he last won, previous two chase outings have been poor and last seen at Thurles over hurdles in October. Has plenty to prove.
Fallen to a handy mark but nothing in three runs this year to suggest he's ready to add to three career chase wins.
Tends to want a thorough stamina test, though did win at this sort of trip at Punchestown in October, hasn't repeated that sort of form in three runs since. Not written off.
Won off current mark in April 2015, generally below par since and fell at the first fence when making stable debut at Thurles last month. Learned very little from that outing.
Thurles run in December off 3lb higher mark is interesting, has been running over further since and this drop back appears to suit.
Yet to place in five starts over fences, drops in trip for this but destined to face another tough task it seems.
Non-Runners
9
James1
Weight: 11-0|Â Â Age: 10
T: I R Ferguson  J: Ricky Doyle
NR
Forecasts
Tulpar (5/2), Paper Lantern (11/2), Shuil Teacht Aniar (7/1), James (8/1), Skellig Rocks (10/1), Mr Goodenough (10/1), Do Be Doin' (11/1), Ballycahane (11/1), Off The Charts (12/1), Minmore Oscar (14/1), Boss Croaker (16/1), Moss Grove (16/1), Arthamint (25/1), Witness Of Fashion (25/1)
It is very hard not to have been impressed with TULPAR in two runs since joining this trainer. The positive tactics have worked a treat, effectively nullifying many threats, and he has shown a terrific willing attitude to battle for every inch. He is lightly raced for ten and should be raring to go after a nice break and, while he's up 5lb, remains of plenty interest. Paper Lantern got the better of the selection last time at Fairyhouse but that appeared to leave a mark when he ran subsequently. Teenager Mr Goodenough ran well at Naas last time and can do so again while Skellig Rocks isn't harshly treated on his December run at this venue. Moss Grove would have a chance if fancying the job, something he hasn't really done since his Punchestown success in October, while Minmore Oscar should be seen to better effect at this trip.
- Tulpar
- Skellig Rocks
- Minmore Oscar
Prize Money
1st: €8,932.002nd: €2,769.003rd: €1,320.004th: €594.005th: €232.00
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