Stars on show as Darver faces Felix in cracking Racing Post Novice Chase

Racing Post Novice Chase (Grade 1) | 2m1f | 4yo+ | RTV/RTE2

It is less than a year since Darver Star finished a narrow second to Honeysuckle in the Irish Champion Hurdle at this track, but he comes here with a reputation to rebuild after a disappointing effort over fences last time out.

Darver Star was the best of these over hurdles, certainly the quickest by some way, having also finished third in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham behind Epatante.

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However, some people are doubting his speed for two miles over fences after his tame effort behind Felix Desjy – a rival again here – in a Grade 2 at Punchestown last month.

The Darver Star we came to know over hurdles, and who bolted up on his chasing debut at Punchestown in October, did not bring his A-game against Felix Desjy that day.

However, it may be premature to conclude that Darver Star does not have the pace to be fully effective over this trip any longer, especially with trainer Gavin Cromwell having revealed his stable star has undergone a minor wind procedure since that disappointing effort.

Felix Desjy: made it two from two over fences at PunchestownCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The prospects of better ground should also help Darver Star, who can be expected to put up more of a fight in the rematch.

Felix Desjy wears his heart on his sleeve and can boss top-class races from the front, as he proved when winning a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Aintree a couple of seasons back.

The Gordon Elliott-trained seven-year-old built on his chase debut success at Killarney with an impressive triumph at Punchestown, where Jack Kennedy took a pull mid-race before coming with a winning challenge approaching the last.

The form has worked out, with runner-up Sizing Pottsie turning what looked a competitive handicap chase at Fairyhouse into a one-horse race.

Willie Mullins has won five of the last nine runnings – including with Douvan and Footpad, who both went on to win the Arkle at Cheltenham – and the champion trainer saddles Blackbow and Franco De Port.

With Paul Townend electing to go to Limerick to ride Asterion Forlonge, David Mullins has come in for the plum ride aboard Blackbow, who looked a natural over fences when winning his beginners' chase at Navan last month.

Franco De Port may not have been as exuberant in winning at Thurles but could be well capable of mixing it in this company and is also open to improvement.

Benruben is an experienced second-season novice who should be on the speed, although he has his work cut out to win, while Embittered has earned a shot at this prize after a couple of solid seconds over fences.

What they say

Willie Mullins, trainer of Blackbow and Franco De Port
A left-handed galloping track like Navan suited Blackbow last time and hopefully Leopardstown will too, as they're fairly similar. He looks one who could be a better type over fences. Coming back in trip might be a big question for Franco De Port, but he'll probably gain good experience here.

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Darver Star
He's had a little wind operation since Punchestown and that, along with the nicer ground, should really help him. He seems to be in great nick and we're very happy with him. I thought he would travel a lot better than he did at Punchestown. He placed in the Champion Hurdle in March and you don't become a slow horse in the space of eight months, so I don't think he needs a step up in trip.

Joseph O’Brien, trainer of Embittered
He's still a maiden over fences but he's had two very good runs and I think the better ground will help him. His best form has always been on nicer ground. He goes there with every chance.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Felix Desjy
It’s a very competitive race but our lad's in good form and we're looking forward to running him. He’s done nothing wrong over fences and hopefully he can continue his progress stepping up to Grade 1 company.

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