Defy Logic

26th-Dec-2013

I am backing Defy Logic here to beat Champagne Fever. He shouldn’t be a 9/2 or a 5/1 shot in my book.

Of course, Champagne Fever is a hugely exciting chasing prospect. Winner of the Cheltenham Bumper in 2012 and of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle last season, he jumped really well on his chasing bow at Punchestown last month with the exception of a slight mistake at the second last fence. He could be a monster over fences, and it is correct that he is favourite for the Arkle.

That said, Defy Logic also has the potential to be a top class chaser. A good hurdler last season, he was really impressive in winning on his debut at Naas this term. He was a bit of a tearaway last season over hurdles, but he seemed to be a lot more settled that day. He did lead, but he settled in front, his jumping was really good, the winning time was good, and 19-length runner-up Golanbrook added a little to the form by winning last time at Clonmel, if perhaps a little fortuitously.

Defy Logic was beaten last time out by Champagne Fever’s stable companion Felix Yonger, but Felix Yonger could also be very good indeed over fences, he was second to Simonsig in the Neptune Hurdle in 2012 and he is up there with his stable companion as a novice chasing prospect this term. Defy Logic was sent off as favourite to beat him, and the race was in the balance until the second last fence, the pair of them coming clear.

This will be Defy Logic’s third chase, he should have come on again for his last run at Punchestown, and he should be able to get into a nice rhythm up front for Mark Walsh today. Of course, there is a chance that he will set it up for Champagne Fever, who could just sit in behind him and take a lead today, but at the prices, Paul Nolan’s horse is worth backing.

DEFY LOGIC WON (ADV 5/1, SP 7/2)

Back