Leopardstown preview: Racing Post Novice Chase (14.55)

David Metcalf | December 23, 2015

Douvan was ultra impressive when making a winning debut over fences, so can cement his position as favourite for the 2016 Arkle with victory in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase (14.55) at Leopardstown on Boxing Day.

The French recruit won all four of his starts last season after joining trainer Willie Mullins, and they included breathtaking successes in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival and the Herald Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

Douvan looked a real monster in both, travelling powerfully throughout and showing a devastating turn of foot when asked to go about his business.

To me, he had the potential to make up into a Champion Hurdle contender, but connections have the reigning champ for that in the shape of Faugheen and decided to go down the chasing route this season.

Will deadly Douvan prove a worthy front-runner?

Douvan was sent off odds-on 2/11 favourite for his eagerly-awaited comeback and debut over the larger obstacles, and his legion of fans never had an anxious moment.

After being sent straight into the lead by jockey Ruby Walsh, the five-year-old jumped with superb accuracy and speed throughout before easing clear between the final two fences and scoring on the bridle by 9 1/2 lengths.

It was a performance which oozed class and Douvan is currently Coral’s 6/4 favourite for the Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival next March on the back of it.