TimeformBlog

[b]It may lack the lustre of Kauto Star and a place in the history books, but it only takes a cursory glance at some of the winners of the Lexus Chase to show that Ireland's Christmas centrepiece is no second-class citizen when it comes to Grade 1 races. Dorans Pride, Beef or Salmon, Best Mate, Denman and Exotic Dancer have all won the event in recent seasons, whilst What A Friend triumphed twelve months ago and bids to retain the title at Leopardstown this year.[/b] [b]What A Friend[/b] improved out of all recognition last season, grinding out a hard-fought victory over Money Trix and Joncol here before taking advantage of a below-par showing from Imperial Commander to add the Betfair Bowl at Aintree to his CV. Paul Nicholls' gelding disappointed behind the last-named in the Befair...