Troytown ace Run Wild Fred out to justify lofty rating in Grade 1 novice chase

Wednesday: 1.45 LeopardstownNeville Hotels Novice Chase (Grade 1) | 3m | 4yo+ | RTV/ITV4

Run Wild Fred brings a rating of 159 into this contest after a hugely impressive victory in the Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan and that experience will stand to him stepping into Grade 1 company.

A second season novice, Run Wild Fred was breaking his duck over fences at the ninth attempt in the Troytown and it seemed to be something of a long-term plan coming to fruition for Gordon Elliott and owners Gigginstown House Stud that day.

However, that's not to say that the Troytown represented Run Wild Fred's ceiling. Far from it, in fact, and if he can run close to his rating, he sets a decent standard for the lesser exposed runners in the race to aim at.

Of those, Vanillier stands out but the ground remains a doubt for Gavin Cromwell's potential staying star. Cromwell resisted temptation to run at Limerick over an inadequate trip in favour of tackling this 3m contest but if rain doesn't arrive overnight, the ground could be plenty lively for Vanillier here.

Elliott's second runner in the race, Fury Road, can't be discounted in first-time cheekpieces. He looked a shade soft when third in the Drinmore but that trip was on the short side and he may do better stepping up to three miles here.

Willie Mullins is doubly represented with Bacardys and Ontheropes. Bacardys has jumped like a horse who has had one too many over fences at times, but there was a lot to like about his second to Bob Olinger at Gowran Park, while Ontheropes is an improving stayer.

Mr Incredible was disappointing behind Ahoy Senor and will need to step up, while Max Flamingo appears to be running for place money only.

Vanillier takes in 'preferred target'

Gavin Cromwell is hoping that the decision to come to Leopardstown over Limerick with Vanillier pays dividends in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase.

This has always been the preferred Christmas target for last season's Albert Bartlett winner, but the prospects of lively ground forced Cromwell to leave Vanillier in the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick until the last minute.

Vanillier: held back from the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase at LimerickCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

That 2m3f trip at Limerick would have been short of Vanillier's best, but the soft ground would have been right up his street. The 3m trip in this Grade 1 would be far more suitable for Vanillier, but the prospects of Leopardstown drying out remains a worry for Cromwell.

The trainer also had Gabynako to factor in and therein lies the quandary he faced in the build-up to the festive period.

Speaking at Leopardstown on Tuesday, the trainer was quietly confident about Vanillier's chances as long as the ground stayed on the soft side.

He said: "This has always been our preferred target and, when we got the bit of rain, we said we'd take our chance. Hopefully, the ground is going to be fine for him and the trip is ideal. He also prefers going left-handed as well and he's in good shape."

What they say

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Ashdale Bob
I'm looking forward to stepping him up to three miles, especially with how well he ran at Navan the last day. We're happy to go here and there's a bit more rain forecast on Tuesday night, which should suit. As long as it's safe ground, he'll be fine.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Bacardys and Ontheropes
Bacardys has been hurdling for the last few seasons but did come to the last at this meeting in 2018 with a beginners' chase in the bag, only to fall. If he can get his jumping right, he has every chance. Ontheropes has been improving hand over fist all season and he jumps and stays well. He has a rating to be involved and a chance of getting in the money.

Eddie O'Leary, racing manager for Gigginstown House Stud, owners of Fury Road and Run Wild Fred
Run Wild Fred is coming here rated 159. He's the highest-rated novice chaser ever for this time of the year and I hope the handicapper is right about him. If he is, then he's entitled to run a big race in a Grade 1. Hopefully, there's more rain tonight and it needs it. I don't think Fury Road is soft. His jumping was a lot better than ever in the Drinmore and he'll love this trip. The two and a half miles at Fairyhouse would have been far too short, but I think you'll see a much better performance from him here.

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