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By Billy Blakeman ValueChecker

Mikael D’Haguenet Well Beaten at Leopardstown Behind Realth Dubh 31/12/10

Realth Dubh sprung a mild surprise by winning the Bord na Mona With Nature Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Thursday as the 4/7 favourite Mikael D'Haguenet ran badly to finish only fifth. The winner was put into the race late and victory was sealed as the long-time leader Saludos took a crashing fall at the last fence.

Trainer Noel Meade said: "I was a bit disappointed with him the last day at Fairyhouse but he jumped brilliant today. I always thought the world of him but did think he always wanted two and a half miles. He could come back for the Irish Arkle and we'll see what happens but he could be a contender for the Cheltenham Arkle next March."

Mikael D'Haguenet
© Grossick Racing Photography

The favourite Mikael D'Haguenet tended to jump right and never looked especially happy; clearly not running anywhere near his ability. Willie Mullins said of his charge; “I'm hoping he was maybe just flat after Fairyhouse. I wasn't happy from the fifth. He didn't jump great down the back and his rhythm went."

William Hill immediately pushed Mikael D'Haguenet out to 16-1 from 7-1 for the Arkle Challenge Trophy, with Stan James going even bigger at 20/1. The winner Realt Dubh is now available at 20/1. I would be inclined to think that the 20/1 about the beaten favourite is a bit of an over-reaction.

The final day's racing of 2010 on Friday and hopefully we can go out on a winner with Littleportnbrandy in the 12.00 at Lingfield. After a couple of really promising runs back in April in Windsor maidens, the filly disappointed on her third start but she can improve past the couple ahead of her in the betting. Although the 7f trip is an unknown, connections are presumably hoping to get her to win as a 2-y-o and the fact that she has been matched at greater than 12/1 on Betfair amazes me. Money for David Evans’ runner would be a welcome sign and she surely must have a better chance than 12/1.

Recommendation: Lingfield 12.00 - Littleportnbrandy