The fact that David Pipe has decided to send Sona Sasta over to Ireland to try and land the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown (3.05) rather than contest the Welsh National has to make the progressive gelding of serious each-way interest at 15/1.
The eight-year-old has only had 4 outings over fences but has progressed with each run, and looked better than ever when runner-up in a 3m handicap at Chepstow on his seasonal reappearance.
Always prominent that day, he tracked the leaders before making a move four from home and looked the likely winner enetrting the straight until lack of race fitness seemed to take it’s toll.
However he rallied strongly when getting his second wind and stayed on really well to be beaten just 2 1/2 lengths by the well handicapped Le Beau Bai, and the form has a strong looks as the pair finsihed 20 lengths clear of the third.
On the evidence of that run he looks a staying chaser to keep on the right side in the coming months, and although having to race off a 4lb higher mark this afternoon his lightly raced profile means that he is sure to improve again in my eyes and coould still be potentially ahead of the handicapper.
With the trip and ground ideal and the stable continuing to be in terrific form everything looks in place for a huge run, and at the odds on offer he looks overpriced in my eyes.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Sona Sasta (15/1 Hills – BOG)
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