DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 15
2.30 PUNCHESTOWN
Gordon Elliott has farmed this staying handicap chase in recent times, landing the prize six times in the last eight years, and with six of the 16 runners in today’s field, it is clear the master of Cullentra is intent on winning his fifth in a row.
Choosing between the sextet is not easy because they all have some sort of chance but at the prices, PATTER MERCHANT is the one who makes the most appeal.
Although still a maiden over fences after four attempts, it is worth noting he has been plying his trade at a high level in beginners chases won by the likes of Romeo Coolio, Flicker Of Hope, Koktail Divin and Joystick.
The latest of his performances at Navan behind the latter, which also included Slade Steel, wasn’t a bad effort when you consider the speed figure produced by the front two, and when runner-up to Flicker Of Hope at Fairyhouse earlier in the campaign, he had in behind him the likes of Kiss Will, Sandor Clegane and C’est Ta Chance (won since).
A solid performer in many top class, big-field handicap hurdles last season, he has been handed a competitive mark from which to work on his first attempt at this discipline over fences and with the cheekpieces on for the first time a possible source of improvement, the son of Walk In The Park could easily shine in a race of this nature.
PATTER MERCHANT – ½ point each-way@10-1 (five places)