Catch Me ain't winning this. Nothing he's done so far in his chase career would have me believe he can win this.

Not even this  ...http://form.horseracing.betfair.com/horse-racing/281209/Leopardstown-IE-Leo/1330

The more I think about this race the more I think Long Run is good value. Could win by 10 lengths

Really hoping Gwanako turns up. Only a small horse but often shoulders top weight or near enough, and runs well before finding something progressive lower in the weights that beats it. If Poquelin stays in which seems certain he'll carry under 11st. Just praying Nicholls gives him another shot at Cheltenham with a claimer on as well. He'd be running free!!

Not a great run from Osana. Would be nice to see EOG get a winner at some point this week. They seem under a bit of a cloud

O'grady has some runners today at Navan.

hmmm. big fan of LR, but if he hasn't even jumped since March surely this is a huge ask? MM always better on flat tracks imo. GE decent enough but is he really good enough? CCM, sorry mate but can't have your lad - stick him back over hurdles!. Poq's a bridle hype horse. Noland? need to do some more research on him. Which leaves me SHBoy (and Jonjo?) ffs.

i hope i'm wrong (i often am!) wd today btw

Cant believe Edgbriar hasnt had more of a mention, running off a featherweight in this.

seemed to enjoy the course last time and first time out, should be spot on for this if he has had enough recovery.

FMTD needs good ground to be at his best imo.

Anyone know if Prince De Beuchene lines up?

Because if it does rain all week, he'll love the ground and is young and unexposed and goes well fresh - and he's 60/1-plus on here, for buttons admittedly.

Conditional jockey Ian Popham will take the ride on top-weight Poquelin in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.

The Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old was second to Tranquil Sea in the prestigious contest 12 months ago, but is now a stone higher in the weights.
He will head to Prestbury Park in fine form having finished a narrow second to Monet's Garden in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree last month, and his owner Andy Stewart is delighted to have secured Popham's services.

"Obviously, Ruby (Walsh) is not going to be fit to ride for some time and with top weight, we thought we would book Ian as he's a very useful 5lb claimer," said Stewart.
"He won the big race at Wincanton on Saturday, so we're delighted to have him.
"I thought Poquelin was going to win at Aintree but well done to Nicky Richards and Monet's Garden - who's nearly old enough to buy a round of drinks!
"We hope our horse has improved but obviously we have top weight and it's going to be a big ask for him.
"But if he's good enough to be a Ryanair Chase horse, he's got to be there or thereabouts."

The ante-post favourite for the race is Nicky Henderson's talented performer Long Run, but Stewart believes that one will have to brush up on his jumping if he is to be successful.
"The reports are that Long Run is in blinding form, but he'll have to jump better than he did in the RSA Chase, where he clobbered the last four fences," the owner added.

Stewart also has Tatenen and Gwanako engaged in this weekend's feature event, but both would appear unlikely runners at this stage.
"We also have Tatenen entered and we're not ruling it out, but I think he's more likely to run at Ascot on Saturday week," Stewart continued.
"He ran very well at Kempton the other day. I thought he was going to win at one stage but he got tired and Richard (Rowe) did say he would improve for the run.
"Gwanako is also in, but the plan with him is to go for the Grand Sefton over the National fences on Becher Chase day at Aintree."


Another leading owner, JP McManus, looks set to be well represented in the race with Finger Onthe Pulse, Sunnyhillboy, Dancing Tornado and Can't Buy Time all in the reckoning.
Sunnyhillboy is the shortest price of the quartet in the betting, but retained rider Tony McCoy looks set to partner one of the other runners.
McManus' racing manager Frank Berry said: "Sunnyhillboy has quite a light weight, so I don't think Tony will be riding him. I'd imagine he'll be on one of the others.
"They are all in good form and I don't think the ground would bother them either way."

Poquelin heads a total of 26 remaining entries in the Grade Three prize, with Nicholls also leaving in Tchico Polos.
Long Run is one of two entries for Henderson, with Mad Max another major contender for top honours.

Edward O'Grady saddled Tranquil Sea to victory 12 months ago and this time could be represented by Catch Me, while Great Endeavour, Little Josh and Edgbriar are other interesting possibles.

The latter is not a certain starter, however, as like Gwanako, he has the Grand Sefton at Aintree as an option.
"We've confirmed him for the Paddy Power but we've also got on an eye in the Grand Sefton," trainer Paul Webber told At The Races.
"Obviously it's difficult to win the Paddy Power and we've gone up 8lb for winning at Cheltenham in October.
"But he's had a run under his belt. He has always operated well round Cheltenham and the ground might be better there than elsewhere, which is important for Edgbriar. He seems in very good form."

26 left in/ what is the safety limit , by that  what is  maximum that can go to post

thank u custard cream
will that mean if 26 left / stand there ground sunnyhillboy,,
pigeon island will be balloted out

Backed Catch Me this morning at 10's.  Feel I've missed the boat somewhat but if the ground comes up soft, still think he's good value. Very well handicapped on hurdles mark and OGrady saying all his are coming on for the run.  Always think you need a classy beast to win this and something which would be competitive in the Ryanair.  Only a few fall into this category and reckon GE would prefer better ground, Poquelin not the easiest of rides so no Ruby would be a big negative.  Simply cannot have Long Run fto round cheltenham and with SWC on board at 7/2.

Sunnyhillboy interesting but has been very weak in the market and not the most reliable so at single figures I'll pass.

Mad Max probably won't even show if its soft and there must be stamina doubts after his run in the Ballymore Hurdle.

racecaller08
very indepth analysis " but what is it saying will win"

Edit last post to read 80%-90% fit Long Run

Thank you very much Paul, put up Noland and then took him out,cheers

i think noland was rubys ride for the race and obviously ruby isnt going to be riding.

I know it's boring, but under the conditions, with Ian Popham taking 5lb off, I can't see Poquelin out of the front 4 and 12/1 ew looks more than fair to me.

I'd still have to have a saver on Long Run though, he was my biggest ante post bet of last season for the RSA and I wouldn't like to see him dot up here unbacked.

Having just taken a proper look at the weather forecast I might have to retract that statement about Poquelin [:x]