Race of the Day 
/ Timeform / 25 January 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Willie Mullins: Trainer of On His Own
"There are question marks over the jumping of On His Own, but he's worth another chance in a race where unexposed sorts are thin on the ground."
The Thyestes Handicap Chase, run over three miles at Gowran Park, looks as competitive as usual, and could have a bearing on both the Aintree and Irish Grand Nationals. Timeform take at the field...
Ad Idem is a strong traveller who has been in form of his life this term, just touched off in Troytown at Navan before not really getting the run of things at Leopardstown. Vulnerable off this mark, however.
Western Charmer is a largely consistent sort who ran well when second in Irish National at Fairyhouse and Grade 1 novice within space of 8 days last spring, but disappointing last time and high enough in the weights.
Tharawaat is not most consistent but talented when on his game, as he showed when readily winning 2¾m handicap chase at Galway in October. Below that level since but could go well if everything clicks.
Shakervilz is a smart hurdler/chaser at his best and hinted at a return to form when third in Grade 2 hurdle at Leopardstown last time, albeit allowed to dictate pace. Booking of Ruby Walsh catches the eye.
Some Target shaped well over both hurdles and fences since returning to action, fourth in Troytown at Navan, but jumping issues resurfaced at Leopardstown over Christmas and could again prove his achilles heel.
Jack The Bus has not got many miles on the clock and better than ever when winning handicap at Navan earlier this month. Been raised 7 lb and now in much more competitive event, however.
Adams Island was a useful novice in Britain, winning twice over fences for Rebecca Curtis. First worthwhile form for this yard when third over hurdles last time and accorded respect off this sort of mark.
Bob Lingo is a front runner who was given plenty of rope when winning a Fairyhouse maiden chase by 20 lengths in 2010/11. Back to form last 2 starts as well, but does look handicapped to the hilt.
Rivage d'Or is a useful hurdler last season and has made good start over fences, winning at Thurles in November. Often finishes weakly, though, and well held off 1 lb higher mark last time.
The Bishop Looney was better than ever in October/November, winning at Galway and following up in Cork National. Raised 9 lb for latter success and that seemed to anchor him at Leopardstown last time.
Glam Gerry is a strong traveller who won over hurdles at Leopardstown (2½m) in 2010/11 and made successful handicap debut in this sphere back there last time. Not always fluent that day and now 20 lb higher, however.
Start Me Up is a bumper/hurdle winner who is proving progressive over fences, winning maiden at Navan in December and then third off similar mark at Limerick. Not yet fully exposed at 3m and could go well.
Telenor dead-heated in a Grade 2 novice at Navan in early-2010 but seen just 5 times since and has looked shadow of his former self this season. Not hard
to oppose.
Tinakellylad is a mudlark who isn't the most consistent but ran as well as he's ever done when second at Cork (2½m) last time. Just as effective at this sort of trip too, but is 4 lb higher and in better race.
Jadanli was flattered by his win in the 2010 Powers Gold Cup and largely let down by jumping since, including in big-field events the last twice. Looks a
longshot.
On His Own's jumping often an issue over fences last term for Howard Johnson, despite wins at Musselburgh and Ayr, and again not always fluent before brought down on return, but could go well with a clear round.
Quadrillon did not go on as expected after winning 2½m maiden chase at Gowran last season and better effort this term, when sixth in Troytown at Navan, still leaves him with a bit to find.
Paddy Pub was in good heart in staying handicap chases back in 2009/10 and first signs that he retains that ability when fourth in first-time blinkers latest
start. Hard to see him winning this all the same.
Tullintain was successful this time last year at Punchestown (2½m) off 17 lb lower mark, and back to form when chasing home in-form rival at Limerick on latest. Never really convinced with stamina for 3m, though.
Stephanie Kate has translated her useful hurdles form to fences, runner-up in all 3 completed starts, and appeals as the type to be suited by 3m. Could easily make the shake-up if getting a run.
Smoking Aces proved well suited by the fitting of blinkers and extreme stamina test when scoring over 29f at Fairyhouse in December, but never landed a blow ddropped back to 3m at Leopardstown over Christmas.
Timeform 1-2-3:
1. On His Own
2. Start Me Up
3. Adams Island
Timeform View: There are question marks over the jumping of On His Own, but he's worth another chance in a race where unexposed sorts are thin on the ground given the impression created last term. Start Me Up rates as a solid place option with a good 7 lb claimer up, while Adams Island came back to form over hurdles last time and is another to consider.
............
Timeform's Horses to Follow Extra Festival Trials edition is out now and features no less than five big-race previews and an interview with Nigel Twiston-Davies.
An intriguing two mile handicap hurdle at Musselburgh makes up Wednesday's Race of the Day......
Timeform preview an interesting sprint at Southwell on Tuesday......
Timeform run the rule over a handicap hurdle in which one runner is chasing his fourth win in his last five starts......
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