Our experts on whether Bob Olinger can still be a force at the top level

'Maybe the answer is no'

That's a tricky one. Perhaps he still can, but you would have to be concerned by his finishing effort once again.

He hit a low of 1-50 in-running on Betfair when cruising to the front. The race looked all over. Maybe it was just a freak result and he did have good horses like Flooring Porter, Zanahiyr and Ashdale Bob behind him so we will learn a lot more about him next time. That is likely to be in what is now the Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 28 where he looks set to be upped to 3m again.

Would I fancy him to win anything at Cheltenham right now? No. Maybe then the answer to this particular question is no.
David Jennings Deputy Ireland editor

'I couldn't be having him'

I couldn't be having Bob Olinger at the top level. For me, a few crucial negatives still exist which put me off.

While a high head carriage is one of his trademarks, it looked unusually higher today and suggests he may not give you everything in a battle. He cruised into the home straight but found little towards the finish for a yard in fine form.

Home By The Lee: beat Bob Olinger at NavanCredit: Patrick McCann

That's two of his last three races now where he's gone out with a whimper and I'd very much be sticking with Flooring Porter to rule the staying division again, as it was a perfectly fine comeback over an inadequate trip.
Matt Rennie, reporter

'The jury is out'

Even Henry de Bromhead would find it hard to give a completely confident answer to that question.

Chasing did not appear to have left its mark on the way he jumped, nor was there any issue with the smooth way he moved into the lead or pulled ten lengths clear of Ashdale Bob and Flooring Porter. But he was caught on the run-in by an unconsidered 28-1 shot without a win for 20 months, who he was meeting at level weights.

Perhaps Bob Olinger will come on plenty for that first outing since April; perhaps the race was run to suit the quirky winner; perhaps the bookmakers were right to lengthen Bob Olinger's odds for the Stayers' Hurdle.

The only certainty is that his next race will tell us plenty.
David Carr, reporter

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Bob Olinger hits 1.02 in running but beaten by 999-1 shot Home By The Lee

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