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Punchestown 2024
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- Leader bidding for Dan Moore repeat
Leader bidding for Dan Moore repeat
Lastoftheleaders
© Photo Healy Racing
Tony Martin fires two arrows at the Underwriting Exchange Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse, including last year's winner Lastoftheleaders
The 11-year-old was trained by Arthur Moore 12 months ago and was an appropriate winner as it commemorates his father. He will be having just his third run for Martin, but Davy Russell, who seems to get on exceptionally well with the tricky customer, is back on board.
Martin also runs Savello who used to be Russell's ride as he is owned by Gigginstown House Stud, but Bryan Cooper takes over.
"Both horses are going well and have each-way chances, having both been placed over Christmas," said Martin.
"Savello has taken his race well and should hopefully run well, while Lastoftheleaders is having his first run over fences for me but ran well over hurdles at Leopardstown over Christmas. He has schooled well over fences since and won this race last year, so he has to take his chance again."
Edward O'Grady 's Torphichen has always been highly thought of, even in his days on the Flat with the late Michael Jarvis. In spells jumping with David Pipe, O'Grady and Alan King he has never quite reached the level he once promised, and now finds himself back with O'Grady
"He had a nice comeback run and I hope he comes on from the run," said the trainer.
Noel Meade is another trainer with two representatives in Perfect Smile and Il Fenomeno
"Perfect Smile was a little too free the last day at Leopardstown and then nearly took the second-last out of it, but hopefully he'll relax a bit better on Sunday. He was grand after that mistake and has been in tremendous form since," said Meade of Paul Carberry's mount.
"Il Fenomeno runs in his first handicap but is 4lb wrong, so we've decided to claim 7lb off him with Johnny Burke. He's a Flat horse and isn't robust, but I think the lighter weight will help him. Hopefully he'll put his best foot forward."
Tony McCoy comes over to ride Conor O'Dwyer's Competitive Edge Dessie Hughes drops Art Of Logistics in class, while Willie Mullins runs Turban (Ruby Walsh) and Cadspeed (Paul Townend). Tom George's Majala is the sole British representative.