Lexus Day at Leopardstown

For his chasing debut, Cootamundra was sent to the Grade 3 Ballybrit Novice at Galway over 2m 1f.  Backed from 20s into 14s, he lost his footing at the last when just coming to mount a promising challenge.

For a horse whose form over hurdles suggested he'd be better over a longer trip, this was an effort for the fabled Notebook (see below).

The winner of the Ballybrit (Twinlight) went on to beat Baily Green in the Grade 2 Craddockstown, and yesterday the runner-up (Argocat) won his Grade 3 in convincing style.

Cootamundra's sights were only slightly lowered next time out at Navan, and while he was no match for Oscars Well he stayed on pleasingly enough to finish 2nd, ahead of four previous chase winners.

That race was also over 2m 1f. Tomorrow he'll be stepping up to 3 miles for the first time.

It's a massive ask, however, because connections have decided to pitch him into the big Grade 1 event at Leopardstown against the likes of Dedigout, Back In Focus and a few other smart prospects.

On the other hand we get at least 33/1 for an each-way bet overnight and hopefully a bigger price tomorrow on betfair to top-up the win bet.

From a staking point of view, if I rate Cootamundra a 20/1 shot, the Word that is Kelly Staking suggests a win bet of just under 2% of your bank.  But I'm going to split this into a 1% each-way bet.

This event is a sideshow compared to the Lexus Chase at 3 o'clock - where all proper racing fans must be hoping against hope that the hugely exciting Flemenstar sees out the 3 mile trip for his small stable dreaming of Gold Cup glory in March.