Felix Fired Up For BoyleSports Battle With Flemenstar

Sunday’s historic Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown (3.00pm) has thrown up some outstanding winners down the years including Moscow Flyer & Sizing Europe, and Felix Yonger (4/5) will be looking to add his name to the Hall of Fame.

Felix Favourite To Beat Flemenstar…Again
Willie Mullins’ 10yo arrives for Sunday’s assignment in top form, having won five of his last six outings, including his first Grade 1 win at Punchestown in April (2m, yielding). Although he lost when reappearing in November, he improved for the outing when landing a Grade 2 at Navan last month (2m1f, heavy).

That 2l defeat of Bright New Dawn (10/1) was a career best effort on the figures, and a repeat of that on Sunday would put him bang in there.

The fact Felix Yonger beat Flemenstar (4/1) 70l and 20l last spring suggests he could have the beating of that rival once more,

…though it’s possible Flemenstar wasn’t at his best at that time.

Flemenstar Value To Upset Fav?
Anthony Curran’s evergreen 11yo seemed to lose his way towards the end of last season, but has returned in better form this time around, winning his fourth Grade 1 at Leopardstown over Christmas. It was a performance that sent out a message to Felix Yonger, that the favourite will need to be at his best on Sunday, if looking to beat Flemenstar once more.

Flemenstar will also come from the right end of the market, which has been favoured in this race down the years…

Tied Cottage Chase Trends
Of the last 10 winners…

10 arrived via Leopardstown (4), Fairyhouse (3) and Sandown (3)
10 ran in a Grade 1 or 2 last time
9 returned 4/1 or shorter
9 were officially rated 157 or higher
9 won four or more chases
8 won during their last three runs

Mullins Holds A Strong Hand
It’s also worth remembering that Willie Mullins has entered Mozoltov, who was a Grade 2 winning novice 11 months ago (2m1f, heavy). Although he failed to shine in three subsequent outings, there was more sparkle three weeks ago when runner-up in a valuable handicap at Fairyhouse (2m1f, heavy), and a repeat of that could give the front two in the market something to think about.

Mullins also has Twinlight (12/1) entered, and while he has four Grade 2 chase victories under the belt (and a Grade 1), he is hard to fancy having been pulled up on both outings this term.

Although winless since March 2014, Bright New Dawn showed his ability when beaten just over 2l by Felix Yonger last month. That was his third runner-up slot in four races, and any slip-ups from the others could make him an each-way possibility.

Recommended Bets
This could prove an exciting clash between the top two in the betting, but preference is for Felix Yonger, who is still improving and shows a good attitude when battling at the finish, which may be needed once more on Sunday.

*Prices correct at time of publication