Tied Cottage Chase (Grade 2) 31st January Preview

The Tied Cottage Chase over 2miles is the feature race at Punchestown on Sunday. Despite the disappointing turnout with only 5 runners it looks a fascinating contest nonetheless.

Big Zeb bids to redeem his reputation after a below par effort at Sandown last time and faces a tough task with the fast improving Golden Silver in opposition here. The duo appear to have too much firepower for the other three who are approaching the veteran stage.

It was at this track last April that Colm Murphys 9-y-o first served notice that he could be a contender at the very top level when chasing home Master Minded in the Grade 1 Kerrygold Champion Chase. Big Zeb emerged from the race as the moral victor with there being little doubt he would have beaten the mighty champion but for a mistake at the last. However it was not the first time he has made an error under pressure and it has proven to be his achilles heel. Paul Nicholls was adamant that Master Minded was not at his best on the day and his subsequent defeat at Cheltenham goes some way towards backing this up.

Golden Silver has done little wrong in his career to date and bar a disappointing performance in last seasons Arkle at Cheltenham he has been ultra consistent. Indeed he had beaten the festival victor Forpadydeplasterer on his previous outing in the Irish equivalent. Connections believe he needs testing ground to be at his best and he will certainly get these on Sunday. Small fields also seem to suit the Mullins inmate better and again he will have this requirement.

Summary: Big Zeb is arguably still capable of mixing it at the highest level but has something to prove after his Sandown effort. His reputation is largely based on his close up second to Master Minded at Punchestown last season. Golden Silver has equally decent form against the likes of Tranqil Sea and Forpadydeplasterer on his formcard and in what is likely to turn into a tactical battle he is just given the nod.

Posted by John on January 29, 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.