Thornton sets sights on back-to-back success

TRI Equestrian Handicap Chase | Grade B | 2m5f, 5yo+ | ATR

Karl Thornton landed this race 12 months ago with Colms Dream and the Dublin-based trainer bids to follow up with Bearly Legal.

If the 11-year-old is going to be successful he is going to have to get the job done without the guidance of regular jockey Donagh Meyler, who has hopped off Bearly Legal in favour of the Tony Martin-trained Dallas Cowboy, who runs off bottom weight.

The seven-year-old has not managed to win a race since October 2015, but could be well handicapped on the basis of his last two runs over fences, which may explain Meyler's leap of faith here.

Punters may be looking for some divine inspiration as well because favourites have a poor record in this race. Only two have managed to come home in front in the last ten renewals, the latest being Stewarts House in 2010 at 9-2.

Handicap debutant

The Noel Meade-trained Net D’Ecosse, who was last seen finishing down the field in a Grade 2 chase won by Ryanair Chase fancy Sub Lieutenant at Down Royal, has his first start in a handicap.

What they say

Philip Dempsey, trainer of Mr Diablo
He's only just back from a bit of a setback but should run well. He's wearing the tongue-tie for the first time, but I wouldn't read anything into that; we just said we'd put it on him. Carrying top weight won't be easy but it looks a nice race for him.

Joseph Dullea, trainer of Damut
He's run some solid races recently and anyone could tell you he'd be in with a big shout if he reproduces his recent run, where he was fourth behind A Toi Phil here. He's been holding his own in this company recently and it would be nice for him to get a win.

Willie Austin, trainer of Emcon
It's a tricky little race but she has her chance. The ground should suit her and if she was in the shake-up we would be delighted.

Karl Thornton, trainer of Bearly Legal
Our jockey decided to jump ship but we're hoping he's wrong! Our fella loves it around Leopardstown and has won over this distance here before as well. He's in good old order and should run very well as long as the ground isn't holding.

Tony Martin, trainer of Dallas Cowboy
His last two runs have been good and if he was to reproduce those efforts we'd be hoping he can run well. He's in good form.