Pencilfulloflead ups it a level to go 2 from 2 over fences

Pencilfulloflead was clipped in markedly for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham, and not surprisingly given the impressive nature of his success in the Grade Two Liam & Valerie Brennan Florida Pearl Novice Chase at Punchestown.

Odds-on favourite Latest Exhibition had no answer to the Gordon Elliott-trained and Rachael Blackmore-ridden victor from before the final fence.

Pencilfulloflead is now two from two over fences after a Galway win last month, here registering a seven length win and Powers go 16/1 from 50/1 for the RSA.

The successful Shantou gelding was bred at the excellent Kenilworth House Stud nursery in Clonmel, and he’s an exciting prospect for Robcour.

He of course began for Simon McGonagle, a big part of Elliott’s team, and the Cullentra House boss reported by phone: “The softer the ground the better for him and there is more to come over three miles.

“He’ll be entered for the three miles Grade 1 at Leopardstown over Christmas but if it was very testing at Limerick he could go for the two and a half miles Grade 1.”

For her part Rachael Blackmore commented: “It was a very good performance. He’s a real stayer and he needed to be out there today.

“He was a little tight to the third last but I gave him a little squeeze after it to make sure the door didn’t get shut. I had plenty of horse under me and he did it really well to the line.

“It’s great for Brian Acheson as he’s putting a lot into the game in the Robcour colours.

“He jumps and he stays. They were Gordon’s words to me before we went out and that’s what he is. He’s a lovely horse for everyone to have.”

P.T. Enright, rider of Foxy Jacks trained by M.F.Morris, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made bad mistakes at the fourth last and third last fences.

(AM & EM)