Paddy Power Chase - Leopardstown 27th Dec - Cause of Causes 25/1

Cause of Causes - Since he was bough by JP in the summer I have been wondering what handicap plot he'd be line up for. He's been given plenty of experience with 3 runs in beginners chases over 2m-2m5f and keeping on at the finish in each one. Then he's been switched to handicap chases and dropped back in trip when it's clear as day he need to go up in trip. But his best run to date was when just failing lto over 2m1f when again staying on best at the finish. He's had his experience now and been given an easy time of it in each race.

It's typical for the "plan" to have a horse actual try in his penultimate race before going for the big handicap so he remembers what racing is like. So the training has been done, they've got the handicap mark of 133 which is perfect to run off in the Paddy Power Chase, if he gets beaten he can be given a break and will be surely aimed at the 2m5f novice handicap chase on day 1 of Cheltenham, with maybe a prep run before hand.

A quick look at his sire and we see he's sired Hada Men & Makhzoon who have both won over 3m with Willing Foe a stayer on the flat. So on breeding he should be a 3 miler. He's got plenty of experience in big handicaps having won the Ladbroke hurdle last year, while it's possible he'd prefer softer ground having won twice on heavy over hurdles. So the rain about this week should suit him. Finally in the racing post earlier this week Elliott had said that this race would be the plan, but he'd have to talk to Frank Berry.

Cause of Causes 1pt each way 25/1