Drinmore Novices Chase 2012

[Guest]

Drinmore Novice Chase - Winner**2012-12-02

Dedigout (2), Arvika Ligeonniere (4), Buckers Bridge (9/2), Mikael Dhaguenet (5), Sword Of Destiny (7), Texas Jack (12), Pride Of The Arctic (14), My Murphy (25)

[Lester]

Fatjockey Drinmore Stats

[mayo]

Morning early risers ...


Of the five lining up for the Drinmore Chase, for example, four have won their solitary chase so far while the outsider of the party has won his last four in a row. It speaks tomes for the regard in which Dedigout (have fun asking anybody non-Irish to pronounce it) is held that he should be quoted close to even money in the light of the potential of his rivals.

That said, you don't need an elephant memory to recall the demolition job (won by 31 lengths) done by Bog Warrior in last year's renewal for the same connections. Things didn't go on so smoothly from there for Bog Warrior – no one would have believed back then that he would have either fallen or finished last in all but one of his races in the next 12 months.

Described by Tony Martin then as "probably the best horse I've had my hands on", Bog Warrior's trainer (once bitten) has been a lot more circumspect this time about Dedigout. Nonetheless, Dedigout is no less exciting as his career record of five from seven testifies and, more than anything, he has the deep-girthed absolute stamp of a chaser about him – and one that relishes deep ground. His 34-length introductory saunter around Punchestown in his beginners' chase has set him up for today, so what's not to like? The opposition, for one thing.

And that opposition is spear-headed by the no-less-exciting Arvika Ligeonniere. He won the same novice hurdle at Punchestown in 2010 as both Copper Bleu and Sizing Europe en route to their Festival success the following season. Unfortunately, we had to wait over two years for Arvika Ligeonniere's next public appearance (at Punchestown last May). It didn't disappoint. Even the discriminating Willie Mullins admitted his jumping was "electric". At over 17 hands, he also fits the bill of steeplechaser incarnate. Both market leaders possess any amount of potential at this stage – which is the better is anyone's guess. Which is what today is about.

It would be indolent to leave the "potential" discussion without alluding to the fact that Buckers Bridge is unbeaten in all four competitive heats in his life so far – a point-to-point, two bumpers and a chase. He may have been slightly fortuitous last time in beating Sword Of Destiny, but that other Gigginstown novice chaser might be the best of all of them in any case.

Neither the ultra-tough and consistent Pride Of The Artic (rated 24lbs higher than over hurdles after winning four chases on the bounce) nor Texas Jack (winner of only chase where the second – yet another Gigginstown chaser-in-progress – has won since) can be ruled out in a race that will hopefully begin to sort out the chase division's pecking order.

[mayo]

1.35 Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase (2m 4f)

Michael O'Leary's Dedigout, trained by Tony Martin, progressed to win a Grade One as a novice hurdler last term, and a fine victory on his chasing debut at Punchestown augured well for this discipline. He is most effective at this trip and will relish the mud.

Texas Jack wasn't as good over flights, but the form of his Naas triumph was franked when Make A Track won on Thursday. Buckers Bridge's Punchestown win has likewise since been shown in a good light by Sword Of Destiny. Arvika Ligeonniere is hard to fathom. Over hurdles he looked good without being precocious, which is exactly how he appeared when sluicing up on his return from two years off at Punchestown in May. This will be tougher.

Verdict: Dedigout to oblige for last year's successful owner and trainer.

[mayo]

Whatever the outcome there, Willie Mullins could be celebrating after the Drinmore Chase which follows as Arvika Ligeonniere is fancied to make a winning return to action. The French import could hardly have been more impressive on his chase bow at Punchestown back in April, a particularly meritorious effort given he had been sidelined for two years through injury, and the champion trainer is sure to have him primed for this top-level test. Dedigout, a Grade 1 winner over hurdles at Punchestown last season, is sure to be a tough nut to crack while Buckers Bridge is still unbeaten and a very exciting prospect in his own right so whoever emerges on top will certainly have earned their stripes.