Classy novice Letsbeclearaboutit can land a big pot in the Dan & Joan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse on Saturday afternoon.
It’s a bold move by Gavin Cromwell and connections to target this competitive handicap with the Flemensfirth gelding on just his fourth outing over the larger obstacles and that can pay off handsomely.
To be fair he is a nine-year-old now so is more mature than most novices and has taken to fences well this season.
He started out with a smooth win at Gowran Park before an impressive performance in Grade Three company at Cork.
Stepped up into top level company in the Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse, he went to post a strongly supported 5/4 favourite.
Having forced the pace he was outstayed late on when third to I Am Maximus. The form has received a boost since with the runner-up Found A Fifty going on to secure Grade One glory at Christmas.
Letsbeclearaboutit did win over three miles over hurdles but has always been a strong traveller and dropping back to two miles could actually favour him now.
A mark of 150 looks a tough enough ask on his handicap debut but he is still a very classy prospect over fences and has more upside than most of his rivals.
Mark Walsh sides with Fighting Fit from the three JP McManus runners and he could be the danger.
The Kayf Tara gelding ran a solid race when chasing home a smart sort in Solness over course and distance last month and off just a 2lb higher mark he has a big shout.
Paul Townend gets the leg up on Uncle Phil, one of three from the Willie Mullins yard.
The Walk In The Park gelding was third in Grade Two company at Punchestown in late November and may not be badly treated despite a 9lb rise for that effort.
Mullins and Townend should be on the scoresheet in the following beginners’ chase with Hunters Yarn.
The Fame And Glory gelding deserves his turn now having fallen when looking ‘home and hosed’ here last month.
There has been plenty of chat about Romeo Coolio ahead of his ‘track’ debut and all eyes will be on him in the concluding bumper.
The Kayf Tara gelding quickened impressively to win his point-to-point at Belclare last March and was bought by Gordon Elliott for £420,000 afterwards.
He is already prominent in the betting for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham so it will be disappointing if he can’t make a winning start.
SELECTIONS
12.12 Nara
12.47 Joya Del Mar (Dbl)
1.22 Mint Boy
1.57 Letsbeclearaboutit (Nap)
2.32 Hunters Yarn
3.07 Neveradullmoment
3.42 Romeo Coolio
