Lacha Paddy Power favourite Lochan Lacha has been installed 9/1 favourite with the sponsors for the Paddy Power Chase after the weights of the 58 entries were revealed today for the ultra competitive three mile handicap at Leopardstown on December 27. The Tony Martin-trained gelding easily won a 2m6f novices' handicap chase at the Fairyhouse Easter meeting and was set a stiff task on his reappearance when well behind Tranquil Sea at Naas. The eight-year-old has been allotted 10st1lb by the handicapper. Willie Mullins has a good line on what is required having sent out Our Monty and Beroni to destroy their rivals in high profile staying handicap chases recently, and the champion trainer has five entries including Pomme Tiepy (10st12lb) and Ballytrim (10st11lb). Casey Supreme (10st2lb) and Hold The Pin (9st13lb) filled the placings behind Beroni in the Troytown Chase at Navan earlier this month while Operation Houdini, in touch when unshipping his rider four out, is given 10st10lb. The 145 rated Gungadu is set to carry top-weight of 11st10lb, while Saturday's Porterstown Handicap Chase winner Parsons Pistol has been put up 6lb in the ratings for that Fairyhouse success to leave him on 11st. There are two British entries with the Nicky Richards-trained Skippers Brig also on 11st and Paul Nicholls' Nycteos given 10st12lb. Paddy Power's complete ante-post prices: 9/1 Lochan Lacha, 10/1 Pomme Tiepy, Nycteos, 12/1 Ask The Master, Orpheus Valley, 14/1 Oscar Looby, Casey Supreme, Ballytrim, Paddy Pub, Oscar Time, Operation Houdini, 16/1 Judge Deed, Bringbackthebiff, Dooneys Gate, Kings Advocate, Bronx Girl, 20/1 Dashing George, Dante Hall, Financial Reward, Killenaule Boy, Shazand, Florida Express, Newbay Prop, Hoopy, Plaisir D’Estruval, Prince Roco, Sir Johnny, Hold The Pin, Leanne, Skippers Brig, Polmar, Glenquest, 25/1 Queiros Bleu, Parsons Pistol, Raven’s Run, Lasse Viern, Southern Vic, Siegemaster, Jaamid, Old Si, Hume River, Nipper John, High Fidelitay, Topofthemornintou, Jack Finch, Rathmore Castle, 33/1 Gungadu, Back on the Road, Lord Cebellino, Bella Mana Mou, Scavenger, Guts For Garters, Selection Box, The Last Derby, 50/1 L’Ami, Justpourit, News Item, 66/1 Beantown.
