LIMERICK

4:35 HUGH MCMAHON MEMORIAL NOVICE CHASE (GRADE 2) (5yo+) 3m

DRUNKEN DISORDERLY 11-6 ~ The Charlie Swan gelding has had 8 runs over the larger obstacles but he has either unseated or fallen in 4 of those runs so serious questions have to asked about his ability to jump. That part of his game improved last time out behind Perce Rock but he still wasn’t foot perfect. All his completed efforts over fences have been over 2 miles so he isn’t sure to stay 3 miles. He ran once over 2m6½f when campaigned over hurdles and he appeared to see it out okay. However over 3 miles there are more fences and a greater chance his jumping won’t hold out.

AKA JAKE 11-3 ~ At Doncaster over 4 miles the 9yo gelding ran a fine race to finish 2nd behind King Harald in a competitive staying handicap chase. He also ran well in the Cork National over 3½ miles but all his notable form has been over extreme distances. It’s extremely likely that he’ll be taken off his feet over 3 miles and in this company.

FREDS BENEFIT 11-3 ~ Pulled up on his last start but that was run over 2 miles and the way the horse has been running over 2½ miles suggest this horse has been crying out for a stiffer test of stamina. He was a distant 2nd behind Wheresben at Navan but he was never really put in the race so if he’s given a more positive ride over 3 miles he could well finish a lot closer.

OSCAR HONEY 11-3 ~ Outclassed in the Grade 1 Powers Gold Cup last time out and although it was a weak Grade 1 it was tougher race than todays. He was still in touch three out but didn’t have the pace to go with the principles. A step up in trip should suit and he isn’t without a chance.

WHEREBEN 11-3 ~ The one they all have to beat after his good win in a competitive handicap last time out. That was his first win over 3 miles so he has proven he stays and as he will love the ground conditions everything appears to be in his favour. Only concern is that he may have had a hard race last week and he has been on the go since October so this maybe one trip to the well too many.

CANDY GIRL 11-1 ~ Stable mate of Freds Benefit and she looks to be progressing nicely. Her best run came last time out when finishing a close 2nd behind Carrigeen Kalmia. She just failed to concede 7lbs to the 138 rated mare and she could improve again back up in trip. She won a 2m6f race at Limerick and the further they went the better she ran so 3 miles should be well within her compass.

SHEEBADIVA 11-1 ~ This 7yo gelding has improved considerably this season and after racking up a hat-trick in handicaps she was stepped up into a decent novice chase but she didn’t run her race and was pulled up. She bounced back next time out though in another handicap at Clonmel when she beat a fair field of novices. Wheresben was a little more than a length back in third so the mare Sheebadiva has to be respected.

CALLHERWHATYOULIKE 10-12 ~ Beaten by Candy Girl last time out at Limerick but she has a 3lbs pull with the Willie Mullins mare. However she if far from certain to reverse form with that progressive 9yo over an extra 2 furlongs. She has struggled to stay 3 miles on both her runs over the trip and all her best form has come over 2½ miles. Callherwhatyoulike is no mug though as the daughter of Old Vic has shown in a Grade 1 Hurdle behind Kazal and in a very good beginners chase at Cork earlier in the season.

CONCLUSION

The shortlist includes Drunken Disorderly, Freds Benefit, Oscar Honey, Wheresben, Candy Girl and Sheebadiva.

Drunken Disorderly would have a chance if he jumped a lot better and was a certain stayer but as that is far from certain then he has it all to do under his penalty. Oscar Honey looked outclassed in Graded company last time out and connections must hope 3 miles brings out further improvement. Sheebadiva has beaten Wheresben on her last start so looks a bit of value especially as the 2nd in that race has franked the form. However it could be argued that Wheresben has improved past the mare and he is 3lbs better off for the defeat. As for the favourite Wheresben he ran a fine race last time out when defying a career highest mark in a handicap. However he is turned out again quite quickly and he hasn’t had a break for a while so he might be feeling the effects of a heavy campaign but if he isn’t he has a good chance. Freds Benefit finished miles behind Wheresben at Navan but he was never put in the race and Wheresben wasn’t really challenged by anybody in the race so not form to get over excited about. The step up in trip should suit and if ridden more positively he would probably close the gap but he still has something to find with his stable companion Candy Girl. The mare Candy Girl although 9 looks progressive over fences and as this is only her 5th start over the larger obstacle she has the scope for further improvement.

So although you could make a case for a couple of outsiders the first two in the market look fairly solid and deserve their place there. However the concern regarding Wheresben is that he had a tough race last week which might have left its mark. Candy Girl looks a progressive mare and although not up to the standard of her stable mate Pomme Tiepy she still looks capable of progressing into a decent mare capable of winning multiple Graded races. This trip is likely to bring out the best in her and with Ruby Walsh on board a big run is expected and she will probably have enough for even an in-form Wheresben.

1pt WIN – CANDY GIRL @ 7/2

RESULT

CANDY GIRL 1st = +3.5pts