3m½f (3m100y) Paddy Power Chase (Extended Handicap Chase) (Listed Race) (4yo+ 0-150)
One of the most ultra-competitive handicaps of the season, the market is dominated by two Martin Brassil horses which seem very short in the betting for a race that often produces a big-priced winner. I do like the profile of Desertmore House and I can see him running a blinder alongside a fair few others here, but I can’t not back the rapidly-improving JODY TED who has his first attempt at three miles over fences having won over a trip slightly longer than this last time out over hurdles when placed of a nearly 20lbs lower mark.
Jody Ted won his other start this season over 2m 3f which was over fences and he looked an improved chaser on that occasion. Now seven-years-old, Jody Ted could just be starting to demonstrate his potential and he looks like he remains on the upgrade and races with a nice low-ish weight her. Any rain that comes should not inconvenience him so he has a solid chance.
Right at the other end of the handicap, I’m going to back IDA’S BOY who absolutely hosed up on his first attempt in a handicap last time out ahead of Mars Harper and the likes of Adamantly Chosen. Ida’s Boy us up 7lbs for that easy success, but gets help from a 5lbs claimer off of top-weight. Ida’s Boy will need to put up some performance to win carrying top-weight but he remains lightly-raced for a nine-year-old and he should have no problem with this trip or test. 25/1 looks a huge price for a horse highly tried in Novice hurdle and chase company and I’d say he has a huge chance of hitting the frame.
1pt each-way Jody Ted @12/1, 15:00 Leopardstown, Wednesday (1-6, 1/5 places)
1pt each-way Ida’s Boy @25/1, 15:00 Leopardstown, Wednesday (1-6, 1/5 places)