Pandorama lands gamble

Meade star enters Gold Cup picture

Last updated: 28th December 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Pandorama: Impressive winner of the Lexus Chase
We are still dreaming of the Gold Cup. He worked very well at Dundalk last Thursday and had some good horses behind him.

Noel Meade
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Pandorama finally delivered on his rich promise when running out an impressive winner of the Grade One Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.

Noel Meade's charge has long been held in high regard and he barely came off the bridle to slam Money Trix by six lengths and claim a first win at the highest level.

The Listener took up his usual front-running role as Paul Carberry was happy to sit in the chasing pack until beginning to work his way into a position three fences from home.

Glencove Marina, who had raced prominently, was the first to make his move when challenging at the penultimate fence but Pandorama was still travelling smoothly.

Coming down to the last, Carberry's mount looked all over the winner and despite pecking slightly on landing, he accelerated away on the run-in.

Last year's runner-up Money Trix tried to go in pursuit but he was no match for the winner and had to settle for second again with Joncol plugging on for third.

Back on track

"We are back on track and will aim for the (Irish) Hennessy back here if he stays right," winning trainer Noel Meade said.

"We are still dreaming of the Gold Cup. He worked very well at Dundalk last Thursday and had some good horses behind him.

"We'll enjoy today. We know he goes left handed and that was only his fifth run over fences so he is still improving.

"I wouldn't run him on good ground. It has to be yielding or softer."

Pandorama was cut into 14/1 from 33s for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup by Sky Bet.

Spokesman Matt Doyle said: "Pandorama was the least exposed runner in the field and has reignited his Gold Cup claims after bouncing back from a series of early season setbacks including his Hennessy flop when his jumping let him down."

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