15:05 Leopardstown

Sunday 29 December 2019

All12:1012:4513:2013:5514:3015:0515:40

Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle (80-130)

Off time: 15:05 | Winning time: 5m 4.8s

Settings

Selected odds by:

Definite Plan²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 126

7/1

Was successful on his debut under Rules at Downpatrick (2m3f). Has gone close on both of his two runs since then, including last time at Fairyhouse (2m4f) where he was second of nine. Set for handicap debut here. Big player.

Form: PP/P-122

Drop The Anchor⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: M P Walsh| T: P A Fahy| OR: 124

5/1

Took advantage of his handicap mark to prevail at Punchestown (2m) on his most recent appearance on the track. Stepping up in trip here where he has 8lb more on his back. One for the shortlist still.

Form: 43-0321

Cavalry Master³³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 123

10/3

Came out on top in a big runner field at Punchestown (2m½f) on his latest outing to record his first win over hurdles. He made all in that contest, holding off a number of challengers in the closing stages. One to think about.

Form: 8-141

Envious Editor²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: B J Geraghty| T: Mrs J Harrington| OR: 120

9/1

A point-to-point winner who has shown signs of promise under Rules. He finished fourth in a 25 runner field at Navan (2m4f) last time. Has gone up 2lb for that run. Worth consideration as there may be more to come.

Form: 5/2620-4

Think Positive³⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: P Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 120

16/1

Was a winner at Tramore (2m) back in August. Has been disappointing in his four starts since then, including when he was last of five runners on his latest outing at Thurles (2m7f). Needs to improve on recent form.

Form: 915435

Foxy Jacks³³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: J J Slevin| T: M F Morris| OR: 118

7/1

Remains a maiden after seven starts. Has had a couple of second place finishes, however, he could only finish seventh of 15 last time at Punchestown (2m5½f). Others make a greater appeal here.

Form: 42-7277

Fire Away^t²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: D E Mullins| T: G T Hourigan| OR: 116| D

16/1

A bumper winner at Wexford (2m4f) back in March. Has been well beaten on his two runs this season, including latest at Fairyhouse (2m) as he was 14th of 25 as a 66/1 shot. Hard to make a case for.

Form: 21-0270

Flooring Porter⁷⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: J M Moore| T: G P Cromwell| OR: 118

5/1

Is in good form as he has recorded two wins in his last three starts, including success on his latest run at Cork (3m). Has gone up 13lb for that win so he will need to find more here. Can't be discounted.

Form: 807141

Peaches And Cream²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: C P McNamara⁽⁷⁾| T: G P Cromwell| OR: 118

12/1

Was successful at Clonmel (2m½f) back in September. Has been unable to follow that up in four runs since. He was fourth of 13 on his latest effort at Cork (2m). Is down 1lb in the weights. Others are preferred.

Form: 514F84

Thunder Down Under⁴⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 10-10| J: M A Enright| T: G Elliott| OR: 112

12/1

Scored in a bumper on his debut under Rules, however, he has been well held in three outings over hurdles since then. He was eighth of 13 at Clonmel (2m3½f) last time. Set for handicap debut here. Keep an eye out for any market support.

Form: U315-48

Millen To One²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: A W Short⁽³⁾| T: F J Flood| OR: 109| BF

12/1

Was fancied to get off the mark at the first attempt last time as he went off as the 6/5 favourite at Clonmel (2m½f) in a maiden hurdle but he could only finish third of 18. May find things easier in handicap company. Not one to ignore.

Form: 5/7-443

Non-Runners

Mister Fogpatches¹

Weight: 11-0| Age: 5

T: P A Fahy J: B J Geraghty

Gun Merchant³³

Weight: 10-7| Age: 6

T: G Elliott J: D F O'Regan

Mc Alpine³⁰

Weight: 10-3| Age: 5

T: P J Rothwell J: D J O'Keeffe

Forecasts

Cavalry Master (10/3), Flooring Porter (5/1), Drop The Anchor (5/1), Foxy Jacks (7/1), Definite Plan (7/1), Mister Fogpatches (8/1), Envious Editor (9/1), Peaches And Cream (12/1), Millen To One (12/1), Thunder Down Under (12/1), Gun Merchant (14/1), Fire Away (16/1), Think Positive (16/1), Mc Alpine (25/1)

DEFINITE PLAN has done very little wrong on his three appearances under Rules to date and he can record his second victory on his handicap debut here as he remains open to improvement. Calvary Master is likely to make the running and should be in contention at the finish as he looks to add to his success at Punchestown last time, while Drop The Anchor can fill up the placings from a 8lb higher mark than his victory at Punchestown on his latest start.