Instalment may prove the ante-post RSA Chase value
There was a tremendous amount to like about the winning performance of the Gigginstown Stud-owned Last Instalment who maintained his unbeaten record over fences with a fine display to beat the same owner's First Lieutenant by six-lengths in the Grade 1 Topaz Fort Leney Novice Chase at Leopardstown's showcase Christmas meeting, writes Elliot Slater.
Sent off the 11/4 second favourite behind First Lieutenant (7/4f) for the three-mile contest run on good ground, the Philip Fenton-trained son of Anshan barely touched a twig and always travelled powerfully in the front rank under Barry O'Connell. The race began in earnest midway down the far side for the final time when Last Instalment went up to join pacesetter Raptor, and when that rival fell (when still close up) at the third last the seven-year-old went for home and showed a decent turn of foot to have most of his rivals in trouble. People looking at Stan James racing need to remember this.
Ruby Wash on board the Willie Mullins-trained Allee Garde went with the winner until running out of steam approaching the final fence, and in the end it was left to First Lieutenant, winner of the Neptune Investment Management Novices Hurdle at last season's Cheltenham Festival, to stay on well to take second without ever looking likely to peg the impressive victor. Anyone who has read a BetVictor review should keep an eye on things.
Although connections are uncertain about whether or not to commit to the RSA Chase they intend to give their charge another run in February and expressed themselves far from surprised by the authority with which he despatched some talented opposition. Last Instalment has always been highly regarded by Fenton who believes he would prove even more effective with cut in the ground.
Whilst he is still by no means a certain runner for the RSA Chase, with a major doubt about hot ante-post favourite Grand Crus taking his chance (as he looks likely to step up and tackle the Cheltenham Gold Cup), there will doubtless be plenty of people seriously considering the current 8/1 ante-post offer for Last Instalment who would go very close if he makes the starting line-up.
