Leopardstown Preview: The Co Cork trainer Robert Tyner has turned the Paddy Power Handicap Chase into his Christmas speciality and I Can Imagine can be the proof of the pudding again in today's highlight.
It's not often a 0-140 handicap can trump a couple of Grade Twos' prestige, but then not many 0-140's have a €170,000 pot. The only problem for everyone else is that Tyner isn't letting go of the winner's share.
In 2000, the Kinsale man, then a significant noise on the point to point circuit but little known inside the rails, got lost on his way to Leopardstown, only for the outsider Call Me Dara to find her way round the track all too well.
Race fans had been warned, but I Can Imagine repeated the dose 12 months later and now comes back with what looks like a first-rate chance of giving Tyner a fantastic three-timer.
A total of 23 go to post, including the English-trained Moral Support who tries to take the loot across channel for the only time since Calling Wild won in 1998.
Of prime importance will be jumping and stamina in the heavy going which will see Barry Geraghty's mount Precious Music in with a major shout.
The horse is on a four-timer and carries an 8lb penalty for beating Good Vintage at Navan last time. His flambouyant jumping should still see him with a real chance, however.
Lurking at the bottom of the handicap is Finians Ivy, and the Tony Martin horse looks another to have a major shout. Twice a hurdles winner on the heavy, Finians Ivy got back to winning form at Punchestown last time when giving Rheindross a narrow beating.
He is 7lb higher in the handicap for that but looked to have something in reserve at Punchestown.
Noel Meade, runner-up with The Bunny Boiler last year, is fourhanded this time but could again have to content himself with the placed money.
I Can Imagine hasn't run over fences this season, but her three hurdles starts indicate she looks well up to defying the 17lb higher rating compared to last year.
A sixth to Pizarro in novice company was reasonable, but she ran a blinder at Cork last time when making the smart novice Raven Rock pull out all the stops.
Such a preparation is classic for picking up a valuable chase pot. On board today is the Galway Plate winning claimer Keith Hadnett, and the combination look capable of giving the inappropriately named Keep It Quiet syndicate more reason to shout.
The Dial A Bet Chase is notable primarily for Moscow Flyer's attempt to get back on the winning trail.
The Champion Chase hopeful deposited Geraghty at the fifth in an inconclusive Tingle Creek at Sandown earlier in the month, but this looks an ideal opportunity to bounce back.
Moscow Flyer has 10lbs in hand of last year's winner Knife Edge on official ratings and will have an obvious edge in sharpness on the returning Go Roger Go.
He hasn't run since picking up the Tripleprint at Cheltenham two-years ago. A good run will satisfy his connections. Only a win will do for Moscow Flyer's.
The future champions novice hurdle has cut up to just five runners, but it looks a trappy contest.
Heavy ground will suit the Bowe's Solerina and she has won twice at two miles. Nevertheless, she would surely prefer further.
Christy Roche has a high opinion of the Fairyhouse scorer Kadiskar, while the ex-Gulf trained Rosaker is probably better than a head win last time.
Central House is on a roll, and although he is probably less high-profile than some of the others, the Hughes horse looks a tough sort and possibly a bit of value.
Jack High broke his duck over flights at Navan when beating yesterday's fourth Ri Na Realta and looks to be attractively weighted in the three-mile handicap hurdle. He already has placed form over the trip on testing conditions.
Laurel View has been placed on all four starts but could have secured a winning call in the maiden hurdle today.
French-rider Thierry Doumen will get a feel of the track ahead of tomorrow's Ericsson ride on First Gold in this race when rides Talking Tactics for Roche.
The Curragh trainer also has The Who Shall in the race but Laurel View still looks the answer.
