Chepstow’s Welsh National card still hangs in the balance at the time of writing with an overnight -3 threatening to derail a fantastic day’s racing, but there are no such doubts at Leopardstown where a wide open Lexus Chase (2.35pm) involving a strong English challenge is the feature.
My idea of a bet in the race is 20/1 outsider In Compliance on only his third run for the Dessie Hughes team – a proven Grade 1 performer who’s been there and done it at the trip at the highest level, this fragile type showed he retains plenty of his old ability when winning at Thurles after missing two years due to injury, and then followed up with a fine second to the fast improving Joncol in the John Durkan.
He would have got much closer to today’s favourite Joncol (not a guaranteed stayer and would surely want it softer than yielding) had he not hit the second last at Punchestown, and although there are many options in today’s race, he appeals on value grounds at 20/1 given that the horse who saw him off last time out is 7/2 favourite, despite having questions to answer.
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Earlier in the day favourite backers can fill up on Noel Meade’s Pandorama as he bids to make it three from three over fences in the Knight Frank Novice Chase at 1.30pm.
He acts around Leopardstown, has looked a class act over the larger obstacles so far, and beat the second favourite Alpha Ridge seven lengths at Fairyhouse last time.
Perhaps his bigget threat is the faster ground, but given he won a bumper on predominately good ground less than two years ago
i’d suggest it looks safe to get involved. Win bet at 5/4.
Good luck!
Monday’s best bets:
1.35 Leopardstown – Knight Frank Novice Chase – 8 Pandorama (win) @ 5/4 (general)
2.35 Leopardstown – Lexus Chase – 5 In Compliance (each way) @ 20/1 (Stan James who go 1/4 odds 1-2-3)
Tags: Chepstow, fairyhouse, in compliance, john durkan, knight frank novice chase, leopardstown, lexus chase, noel meade, punchestown, stan james, thurles, welsh national
