Thief set Leopardstown redemption mission Henry de Bromhead recently conceded that a Cheltenham bid with Identity Thief is "very unlikely," but connections would no doubt be pleased if he could get back on track in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase at Leopardstown. The County Waterford trainer acknowledged that recent times have been "frustrating" with the Grade One-winning hurdler, and that is hardly surprising after he pulled up and unseated rider on his most recent starts. At Punchestown back in October the world looked to be Identity Thief's oyster when he impressed so much on his chasing bow. He then followed up in the fog at the same venue just over four weeks later. However, it has all gone wrong at Leopardstown since then, pulling up behind Min at Christmas and then unseating David Mullins at the opening fence in the Irish Arkle in January. After missing an engagement at Navan a fortnight back owing to lameness, Identity Thief is reunited with Bryan Cooper as he battles it out with a JP McManus duo, Don't Touch It and Great Field. Baily Cloud and Woodland Opera are capable of showing up well, too, in the small field event. The Grade B TRI Equestrian Handicap Chase should make for a competitive spectacle 30 minutes later. Dallas Cowboy looks sure to be there or thereabouts under 3lb claimer Donagh Meyler, who was successful in this contest in 2016 on Colms Dream. An in-form horse off bottom weight representing Tony Martin, he is always going to prove popular with punters. The Mooch was second in that renewal of this extended two-mile-five-furlong race, and he is there with his chance again for Paul Nolan and the in-form Ricky Doyle. There is a decent start to proceedings and Willie Mullins will saddle three for the Foxrock Cup Hurdle. Ruby Walsh has chosen Bonbon Au Miel over Diakali and Aurko. Hidden Cyclone is another high-profile runner and he is always a horse to be reckoned with around Leopardstown.
