Leopardstown Christmas Festival: Lots to like about Lido in Lexus

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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