Leopardstown Christmas Festival: Lots to like about Lido in Lexus
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Valseur Lido odds the answer in Lexus Chase tips
Valseur Lido scored in terrific style on seasonal reappearance and rates a solid bet to follow-up in the Grade 1 Lexus Chase on day three of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival (15.00).
The seven-year-old developed into a smart chaser when trained by William Mullins, winning three times and being placed on five occasions from 11 outings.
Among his defeats were an unseat at the last in the Grade 1 Irish Gold Cup at this venue, when travelling powerfully and looking all over the winner, and an excellent six length second to Vautour in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival back in March.
Owners Gigginstown House Stud then decided to sever links with Mullins and sent Valseur Lido to join Henry De Bromhead.
Ultra-impresive at Down Royal
The gelding could not have been more impressive on making a winning debut for his new handler when easily beating Silviniaco Conti by 11 lengths in the Grade 1 Jnwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal last month.
After being held-up by jockey Ruby Walsh, Valseur Lido made smooth headway to take up the running two from home before cruising clear to win as he liked.
It was a most taking performance and the runner-up has since posted a solid effort to finish a 3 1/4 length third to Thistlecrack in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, to give the form a solid look.
With the prospect of even more to come, Valseur Lido can take this en route to a possible crack at the 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Djakadam feared most
Djakadam was very impressive when slamming Valseur Lido by 12 lengths in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown 12 months ago, and looks a major player for leading Irish trainer Willie Mullins.
The eight-year-old posted some top class efforts in 2015, chasing home Coneygree in the Cheltenham Gold Cup before going on to finish a seven-length runner-up to the mighty Don Cossack in a Grade 1 at this track.
Djakadam also ran a stormer to finish runner-up to Don Cossack in this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup and the form of those races sets a clear standard in this line-up.
He looked as good as ever on return to action at Punchestown, when beating Outlander by 1 1/4 lengths to retain his John Durkan crown, and is entitled to strip much fitter for that run.
However, Valseur Lido has improved a bundle since they last met and I fancy him to gain his revenge.
Coral’s top tip: Valseur Lido could not have been more impressive when scoring on seasonal reappearance and looks worth a wager to get the better of Djakadam in a terrific renewal of the Lexus Chase.
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