Drinmore Novice Chase: Tank too powerful for Fairyhouse rivals

A field of 13 have been declared for the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse, and, as you might expect for a race of its grade, there are a number of high-class prospects on display. The market is headed by The Tullow Tank, and his claims are obvious bearing in mind the smart level of form he showed over hurdles and the impressive round of jumping he put in on his chasing debut here earlier in the month. A dual Grade 1 winner over hurdles for Phillip Fenton last season, The Tullow Tank has the physique to do even better over fences – he’s a big, rangy gelding – and, based on the impression he created on his first start in this sphere, he could be destined for the top as a chaser.

The Tullow Tank – who only found Vautour too good last season – ran to a high figure for a chasing debutant but it doesn’t quite set the standard on ratings. That honour goes to second-season novice Cause of Causes who was progressive without managing to get his head in front last term, the standout effort being a second-place finish in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival. Cause of Causes is a smart chaser, certainly up to winning races, though he’s unlikely to be good enough to cope with some of the unexposed, improving young chasers he clashes with here.

A bigger threat to The Tullow Tank could come from Willie Mullins’ lightly-raced five-year-old Valseur Lido. Valseur Lido impressively won his first couple of outings over hurdles and earned himself a shot at the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. He found that big race coming too soon in his development, only managing a creditable mid-field finish, but he showed improved form to win at Fairyhouse and backed up that effort with a good second to the imperious Faugheen at Punchestown. Valseur Lido didn’t achieve a great deal in beating inferior rivals on his chasing debut at Punchestown, but he jumped well in the main and won with any amount in hand, marking himself down as a contender for top honours. He looks the pick of the Mullins trio, though prolific winner Alelchi Inois is sure to have his supporters bearing in mind the impression he created when racking up a five-timer through the summer.

Another interesting contender is the highly-regarded Apache Stronghold who, as a tall, useful-looking gelding, has the physique to make a chaser, and he made a positive start to life over fences when completing a simple task at Down Royal. Apache Stronghold’s novice hurdling campaign was hit by injury, so it speaks positively about the horse that he was still capable of showing smart form, and we have yet to see the best of him.

Band of Blood, Perfect Gentleman and Real Steel all defend unbeaten records over fences and can’t be dismissed, though they don’t appeal as having the same potential as the likes of The Tullow Tank and Valseur Lido. Narrow preference is for The Tullow Tank as he achieved more as a hurdler, ran to a higher level on his chasing debut and has a most likeable profile.

Recommendation:

Back The Tullow Tank to win the Drinmore Novice Chase

Timeform's weight-adjusted ratings:

You can view a FREE Race Pass for the Drinmore, featuring comments and ratings, by clicking this link