Veterans races on deep ground are rarely pretty and this looks another proper stamina test. Seven older chasers line up and the pace map suggests this could be run at a solid clip with Rocky’s Howya, Dancing Jeremy and Casey West all capable of forcing the issue. On heavy ground over nearly three miles, that early pressure could easily set things up for something finishing strongest late.
Rocky’s Howya
He comes here chasing a hat-trick after two wide-margin wins in claiming hurdles at Limerick and Naas. The visor has clearly revitalised him and confidence in the yard will be high. The question is whether that form really translates back into a competitive handicap chase. Those claimers were weak races and he may not get the uncontested lead he enjoyed previously. At short odds he looks a little vulnerable.
Dancing Jeremy
James Andrew Fahey’s Dancing Jeremy brings the strongest recent chase form to the table. He won a 13-runner handicap at Thurles last time and, while Timeform describe the success as slightly fortunate, he still had the class to be there when it mattered. He is the highest-rated horse in the field (OR 126) and already has course form, both positives in testing conditions.
The handicapper has nudged him up 4lb, but this remains a fairly ordinary veterans race and he still sets the standard on ratings.
The Others
West Cork Wildway ran well over course and distance at Christmas but arrives off two disappointing efforts.
Cahirdown Boy is interesting at a price having looked set to win before unseating at the last at Cork earlier in the year. If bouncing back he could easily outrun his odds.
Grange Walk, Casey West and Gatsby Grey all need significant improvement on recent form.
Verdict
This race could become quite attritional with several horses likely to go forward early. In those circumstances a horse with proven chase form and the ability to stay strongly at the finish makes the most appeal.
Dancing Jeremy fits that profile best. He has the class edge, solid recent form and should be well suited if the leaders go a bit too hard in the heavy ground.
Selection
🏇 Dancing Jeremy
Bombproof?
So-so.
It’s a small field but these are older horses on heavy ground, and races like this can turn messy quickly. Dancing Jeremy is the most solid option, but calling anything bombproof in a veterans handicap would be pushing it.