The Grade One Denny Gold Medal Novice Chase takes centre stage on the opening day of the Christmas festival at Leopardstown on Friday when the first of seven races commences at 12.25pm.
A select field of eight will face the starter for what promises to be a highly informative contest. Central House has the best form in the book having run Nil Desperandum close on his debut, before winning well at Fairyhouse, but may need a longer trip.
Xenophon won the Pierse Hurdle here last season, but was let down by his jumping at Navan and is passed over with preference for Anxious Moments.
Charlie Swan's Charge had two of today's rivals, Caishill and Kicking King, behind when scoring at Punchestown and did not see out the trip when subsequently beaten by Nil Desperandum over two-and-a-half miles at Fairyhouse.
The Grade Two Denny Juvenile Hurdle sees Imazulutoo go in search of win number four, but he is vunerable under his penalty. Al Eile is unbeaten after his two runs over hurdles, but has not met anything of much note.
Followers of Panterez have suffered two costly defeats, but may see their luck change this time. He was progressive on the flat, showing a definite liking for soft ground, and was staying well in the closing stages last time.
The opening event on the card was won by Michael O'Brien's Thaix last year and the trainer has strong claims for a repeat with second season novice Beechcourt this time round. Beechcourt was an impressive winner of a Bumper over the course and boasts a hurdles rating of 117.
Tony Martin is another trainer going for a repeat win at Leopardstown. He saddles recent Fairyhouse winner Strife Leader in the handicap hurdle he won last year with Rare Ouzel.
Strife Leader must overcome a twelve pound rise for that two length success, but should be capable of doing so.
Filed by James McMahon
