CAPEL LAD
Willie Mullins has enjoyed a tremendous run of success with recruits from other yards this season, but Capel Lad is one who may not suffer from a move in the opposite direction. Now with the very capable Vincent Ward, he was a useful handicap hurdler for the champion trainer before injury intervened and on the evidence of his four runs over fences for his new yard appears to retain most of his ability. His initial handicap mark of 109 can definitely be exploited.
DEISE DAN
A useful sort in bumpers, winning at Leopardstown’s 2008 Christmas Festival in between chasing home classy performers Luska Lad and Cadspeed, Deise Dan didn’t initially take to hurdles as well as might have been hoped. He has shaped better than the bare result since switched to handicap company for his last two starts at Punchestown though, on both occasions pulling too hard for his own good. His current mark of 97 is potentially very lenient if he can finally put it all together and Tom Mullins’ charge is worth watching, particularly if the money comes for him on track.
BACK ON THE ROAD
Back On The Road’s recent form figures are not exactly encouraging, but they fail to tell anything like the full story. A shock winner of a beginners chase at Leopardstown last Christmas, when he took advantage of the last fence departure of Deutschland and Askthemaster, the Broken Hearted gelding was just beginning to get into contention in the Jewson Chase at the Cheltenham Festival when he was hampered and unseated Alan Crowe. An uncharacteristic blunder produced a similar outcome at Fairyhouse next time, and his final start of last season is best ignored. There is definitely a decent handicap in him off his current mark of 119, and the Paddy Power Chase could be an interesting target.
SHAKURU
Home-bred by his owner Lady Clague, Shakuru qualifed for a handicap mark when fourth to Augustusthestrong at Listowel, easily the best of his three efforts to date. The son of Alhaarth travelled well throughout on that occasion, but appeared ill at ease on the sharp track and will be of interest once stepped up in trip on a more galloping course. His rating of 73 can certainly be exploited.
