Take a chance on the Denise Foster-trained Felix Desjy to lead his six rivals a merry dance in the Grade 3 Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase in Thurles.
The decision to target Felix Desjy at today’s race, rather than tackle either the Arkle or County Hurdle in Cheltenham, should be rewarded,
Eight-year-old Felix was a Grade 1 winner as a novice hurdler in Aintree. And he took to fences well when making a spectacular start over the bigger obstacles in a weak race at Killarney in October – bolting-up by 31 lengths.
He followed-up when taking a Grade 2 at Punchestown in November. Ridden with more restraint, he wore down subsequent grade B handicap winner Sizing Pottsie.
He has been disappointing since then, with his jumping a cause for concern. He managed to fill third spot behind Franco De Port in a strongly-run Grade 1 at Leopardstown over Christmas but then flopped in the Arkle, won by Energumene – also at Leopardstown.
Rated 154, Felix Desjy is probably the biggest danger to himself in terms of jumping. And, if he comes unstuck, five-year-old mare Zarkareva – from the all-conquering yard of Henry de Bromhead – looks the one to take advantage.
A Grade 3 winner at Punchestown in October, she hasn’t run since failing to figure in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham the following month. But in receipt of 13lb, she’s a definite danger to Felix Desjy.
The selection’s stable-companion Commander Of Fleet, a Grade 1 winner as a novice and second to Minella Indo at Cheltenham, has lost his way this season and wears first-time cheekpieces in the See You In October Hurdle.
Although suited by the race conditions, he might not cope with Oliver McKiernan’s Unexpected Depth.
Tips
2.15.Betty Zane
2.50.Unexpected Depth
3.25.Trickey Trix
4.00.Felix Desjy (Nap)
4.35.Castlegrange
5.10.Top Moon
5.40.Hunters Yarn
Next Best
2.15.Rambling Rose
2.50.Commander Of Fleet
3.25.Satin Sun
4.00.Zarkareva
4.35.Chosen Hour
5.10.Myth Buster
5.40.Hemlock
Double: Unexpected Depth and Felix Desjy.
O’Hehir’s Longshot: Champagne Beauty (4.35.)
