Identity Thief bids to get season back on track in Grade 3 event

Flyingbolt Novice Chase (Grade 3) | 2m1f, 5yo+ | ATR

Identity Thief is having about as good a time of things as Arsene Wenger after pulling up lame in the Racing Post Novice Chase at Christmas before unseating in the Irish Arkle last month, but a return to his early-season form would give him a huge chance of returning to the winner’s enclosure here.

The seven-year-old had marked himself down as a leading hope for the Racing Post Arkle or JLT with two impressive successes at Punchestown, but it has gone awry since and nothing less than a clear round and positive display will suffice here as he bids to get back on track for the Cheltenham Festival.

A clash with Altior could be on the cards in the Arkle, but the JLT could also come in for consideration for the Henry de Bromhead-trained novice chaser.

Fellow Gigginstown-owned Ball D’Arc rates a major danger. The Gordon Elliott-trained runner has always possessed his share of speed and dished out a comprehensive beating to a solid bunch of handicappers in the Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse last time.

Ballyoisin looked seriously impressive when winning his beginners chase at Fairyhouse last month and Enda Bolger has always held him in high regard, while Tully East completes a small but select field.

What they say

Bryan Cooper, rider of Identity Thief
It's a little bit disappointing how his season has progressed. He wasn't quite right with me at Christmas when I took the sensible decision to pull him up and unfortunately he unseated David Mullins at the first in the Irish Arkle last time. Hopefully he can put those efforts behind him. I was at Henry's the other day and he felt great so I'm hoping he can get his season back on track.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Ball D’Arc
He’s in super form and did it well in the Dan Moore. It’s going to be tough taking on Identity Thief but he gets a bit of weight off him and that will help.

Enda Bolger, trainer of Ballyoisin
He won nicely over hurdles at Navan last season so obviously likes the place, which will be a help. You'd have to be happy with how he got off the mark over fences at Fairyhouse last month. Even though it's a small field, this is a very hot race. This will tell us where we stand and we'll know a lot more after.

Alan Fleming, trainer of Tully East
It's a very good race but we're expecting a nice run as we think he's back on form. He won his beginners' chase nicely at Thurles in December and he's back to that kind of form. We'll know a bit more about him after this.