Newlands Chase (Grade 2) Preview

The feature race at Leopardstown on Sunday is the Newlands Chase over two miles and a furlong. This contest sees a number of Cheltenham and Aintree hopefuls have their final trials before the Festivals. Indeed, very few of the contestants are ideally suited to the minimum trip and it is being used as match practice more than anything else.

Having said all that, Tranquil Sea looks the most likely winner of Sunday’s race. Edward O’Grady’s charge, who has the Ryanair Chase as his Cheltenham target, will adapt to the speed test better than most, and should have the edge over Snowy Morning here. Mansony would have beaten these easily at his best but he has disappointed recently and may be better going right handed as well.

Carthalawn, Natal and Made In Taipan are decent yardsticks but none of the three should be up to taking this contest. The one fly in the ointment, however, is that a horse laid out for the race is in prime position to take advantage of those for whom it is merely an afterthought.

Ballyholland and Aran Concerto have little form over two miles and the former is using the race as a grand national trial. The Galway Plate winner did impress when dropping back to 2m 4f over hurdles recently, and is a decent animal but it will be disappointing for connections of Tranquil Sea if he is not good enough to see off all-comers here.

With Aintree only a little over five weeks away I would advise a small each-way interest in Snowy Morning for the Grand National at 33′s with any bookmaker paying first five places. The Mullins runner was third two years ago, and ran a fair race in 9th last season despite carrying much more weight. Now back to the 147 mark of 2008, he is proven around the track and at the price may reward each-way support.

Summary: Tranquil Sea really should take this contest if he is to have genuine festival aspirations. A watching brief is advised on Snowy Morning with Aintree in mind.

Posted by John on February 26, 2010. Filed under Race Previews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.