The team return with two selections from Sunday’s two big handicap chases at Sedgefield and Limerick.
The team return with two selections from Sunday's two big handicap chases at Sedgefield and Limerick.
Cheltenham Festival Pertemps winner Good Time Jonny runs in the 3m5f bet365 Durham National Handicap Chase (16:20) at Sedgefield on Sunday.
Mrs Cathy O'Leary, since taking over from the banned Tony Martin, has proven that she is no stranger to the shrewd placement of handicappers that defined the previous licensee'soperation. Alphonse le Grande, for example, was first past the post in both the Cesarewitch and Northumberland Vase under her charge this year.
The nine-year-old has been competitive in better company than this, placing fifth in front of top handicappers Fakir d'Oudairies, Vanillier, and Inothewayurthinkin at Leopardstown in February this year.
All figures in the book seem to indicate that the plan has been to land a marathon handicap with this one since the start of the season, having ran prep races over shorter trips on the flat, and making just the one start over obstacles since August. Long distances seem to bring out the best in the gelding, and it would be unsurprising to see some marked improvement here.
Irish trainers enjoy a decent record in the race, with Shark Hanlon's stable star Hewick claiming first prize back in 2021.
There are, of course, concerns about his jumping, which have been particularly pronounced since going over the bigger obstacles. However, a British mark of 132 must leave something in hand for O'Leary's charge if Sean Quinlan can give him a safe trip round.
WIN – GOOD TIME JONNY – 4/1
Horantzau d'Airy makes obvious claims in the 3m BoyleSports JT McNamara Munster National Handicap Chase, having finished second to the unchallenged Flooring Porter in last month's Kerry National. The pair pulled clear of the pack, and Willie Mullins' charge was the only one to put up any semblance of a challenge to the winner.
In what was a broadly unimpressive field, the big takeaway from the race was how well the eventual second settled. Having historically always pulled hard, it was surprising to observe Horantzau D'airy stay the trip well. The seven-year-old remains unexposed over the trip, and one can expect some improvement with experience. He is also a proven goer with a bit of cut in the ground.
The Master of Closutton has an impeccable record in the race, posting three wins in the last ten years. As such, it would be unsurprising to see him add to his tally on Sunday.
WIN – HORANTZAU D'AIRY – 4/1
