Flemenstar, the strongest in the Lexus Chase
The horse who did not let the defending champion, Rubi Light, take away the John Durkan Memorial Chase, Flemenstar, has now become the favourite for the Lexus Chase. The popularity and fame crossed ways with him when he defeated the unbeaten Sir Des Champs
in the last outing.
Even though the Lexus Chase will be a three-mile debut for the Peter Casey trained, there are hardly any doubts in his ability and potential to stamp this one too.
His success over other eleven contestants in the field at Leopardstown will extend the winning feat to nine.
Not that the trainer was ever hesitant about Flemensfirth’s bay gelding, but the practice session on Friday at Leopardstown has taken the confidence of the connections to an altogether different magnitude.
He took the schooling under the regular jockey, Andrew Lynch.
The trainer for the seven-year-old stated:
"He's won over two and a half miles, but coming up that hill over the last two furlongs and last two fences will be the test.
"I'm more confident now than I was a few hours ago. I wasn't that happy a few hours ago with the rain and everything, but Andrew told me on the phone he's in great form."
The evening’s favourite set the Willie Mullins’ trained, Sir Des Champs, into his first loss on 9th December, 2012 in the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase over two miles and four furlongs.
"Since the John Durkan Memorial, there has been no bother and no problem, but he's been more than ticking over - he cantered three miles today.”
The trainer and the rider wish that Irish bay gelding rests for the opening mile of the race and stays in the rear. That will give him the chance to reserve energy for taking down the tired contestants in the remaining two miles.
Tanking up energy for the second-half of the race will prove important for the seven-year-old. An otherwise stance can tire him before the closing furlongs and in the debut three-mile trip he will need to take care of the stamina.
The line-up for the challenge will also include Sizing Europe, Rubi Light, while representing champion Paul Nicholls in the three-mile arena is, Tidal Bay.
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