Grade One Racing Post App Novice Chase Guide 2022

Trainer Willie Mullins won the race last year with Ferny Hollow and I think a case can be made for Saint Roi this time round.

He has had plenty of runs over hurdles and was no match on chase debut as he finished 4 lengths behind in second to the current favourite here Fil Dor.

This will be is second start over the larger obstacles so if he was to improve from that first time out experience, he can throw his hat in the ring here with a big performance. Needs to come on from the run last time out to prove he can stay the 2m1f at this course.

Runners from this yard have to be respected and watch out for any late market support that may come with this horse prior to the race beginning. Certainly not ruled out.

Midnight Run is the only horse in the line-up to have multiple runs over fences albeit he has only been victorious in one of those.

That came last time out over 2m1f on good to soft ground in a fairly weak looking Grade 2 contest.

Prior to that, he struggled to make much of an impression in Grade 2 company so he will find this very difficult coming up against top horses from the Mullins and Elliot camps.

Will be his first time running at Leopardstown and is a double digit price for a reason.One to ignore and may go off as the outsider on the day.

Visionarian boasts a solid record so far from his three chase starts as he has won two and came second in the other. He made it 2-2 in a Grade 3 contest at Galway beating the Gordon Elliot trained Call Me Lyreen by a ¾ length.

After a short break, he tried his luck in Grade 3 company for the second time, but just fell short when beaten by the Willie Mullins trained Adamantly Chosen.

Visionarian did finish ahead of a rival he faces again here in Midnight Run, but will be a surprise to see either make strides here stepping up to a Grade 1 chase.

Just does not have the experience required to challenge in a race like this, another that can be easily dismissed.

Gordon Elliot’s second runner in the race and just like his stablemate Fil Dor, he won on chase debut 43 days ago.

He beat the Henry De Bromhead trained Heart Wood by 4 lengths and put in an impressive display considering it was his first start over fences.

Jockey Davy Russell would probably be riding Hollow Games, but he announced his retirement a few days ago meaning Denis O’Regan gets the opportunity to have a spin round on this occasion.

He was not the best performer over hurdles, therefore chasing can bring a lot more out of this 6 year old if he puts in more performances like he did on chase debut.

A major player who could well be in the mix to make it a two horse race in the run-in with stablemate Fil

Trainer Gordon Elliot is well represented in this year’s renewal of the Grade 1 Racing Post App Novices’ Chase at Leopardstown as he declares two of his stable stars in the ever consistent Fil Dor and winning chase debutant Hollow Games.

This 4 year old grey had a decent record over hurdles as he won three of seven starts and managed to finish second in the other four showing his consistency.

He got off to a great start over the larger obstacles last time out as he beat a rival he faces again here in Saint Roi by 4 lengths.

He kept on really well in the run-in and showed that he has all the potential in the world to have a stellar career over fences.

You would imagine there will be plenty more to come from Fil Dor and he is the worthy favourite in this five runner contest. Remains with tonnes of promise and is certainly an exciting horse for this yard.