No More Heroes To Zero In On Leopardstown Glory

on December 27, 2015 at 4:39 pm

There has already been some outstanding equine performances this Christmas, and favourite backers will be hoping for more of the same when No More Heroes (4/7) lines-up for Tuesday’s Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown (1.55pm).

The Punters’ Hero?
Gordon Elliott’s 6yo showed his potential in becoming a future champion stayer when finishing a close third in last season’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham (3m, soft). But, being bred to become a chaser, connections didn’t hang around in sending him over fences this term, where he won both outings, the latest a Grade 1 at Fairyhouse (2m4f, heavy).

That victory in November oozed class, as No More Heroes jumped superbly before coming clear, and another commanding performance on Tuesday could see his 5/1 odds for March’s RSA Chase at Cheltenham come in for support.

The fact No More Heroes is a 6yo who ran at Fairyhouse last time has always proven a good omen for this race down the years…

Neville Hotels Novice Chase Trends
Of the last 10 winners…

9 were 6-7yo’s
9 were Irish-bred
8 arrived via Fairyhouse or Punchestown
8 won over 2m4f
N Meade and W Mullins won it twice apiece

Revenge For Monksland?
No More Heroes’ closest rival in the market is Monksland (11/4), whom he beat by over 2l at Fairyhouse last time. Noel Meade’s 8yo is certainly respected as a promising chaser, but he’ll need to pull out more if reversing form with the jolly.

Meade’s Mare To Cause Scare?
Meade also has the young 5yo mare, Bonny Kate (10/1), who has improved in each of her three outings over fences this season. Having unseated on her chase debut, she was then runner-up, before getting off the mark in a small race at Fairyhouse last time (2m5f, soft). She is also another exciting prospect, but has question marks regarding both class and distance to answer.

Each-Way Value
Although 0-10 over fences, some punters may see Mouse Morris’ experienced 8yo, Rule The World (16/1), as a possible for the frame, having made the top two in four Graded chases.

Also consistent is Ms Sandra Hughes’ 6yo, Sub Lieutenant (33/1), who was beaten 11l by No More Heroes in a Grade 1 back in November, prior to a second in minor company earlier this month. A slight improvement on that could see him thereabouts.

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