Walsh expecting Djakadam Lexus improvement

Ruby Walsh believes Djakadam is set for a good showing in Wednesday's Lexus Chase at Leopardstown - but he thinks he will need to improve if he is to win.

The twice Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up (he trailed in behind Don Cossack in this year's edition) was in fine form in taking the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase for a second time a few weeks ago.

But with the likes of Henry de Bromhead-trained Valseur Lido also contending at the Lexus Chase, Walsh thinks Djakadam will need to produce his absolute best.

"He seems to have come out of Punchestown really well," he said.

"I thought he did it well. He picked up to go and win well.

"It was his first run of the season, while Outlander and Sub Lieutenant had a few races under their belt.

"They were probably hard and fit and stuck on to Djakadam's tail into the home straight.

"I imagine he will improve for his first start. He will need to, with Valseur Lido and a few others in it."

Road To Riches, who won the Lexus in 2014, is also taking part and he will be joined by four of his Gigginstown Stud colleagues, with Gordon Elliott-trained pair of Outlander and Don Poli, as well as his Noel Meade-trained stablemate Wounded Warrior also featuring.

Although Don Poli was in terrible form at Down Royal, Elliott is hopeful the former Cheltenham Gold Cup contender is back to form this week.

"Don Poli is working very good at home. If he hadn't run at Down Royal I'd fancy him to run well but he was that bad there it was embarrassing," he said.

"We'll just keep our fingers crossed with him. He's been hunting, so I hope he's better for that as well. He's in good form so we'll see what happens.

"Outlander would be the best horse in a lot of yards. Looking at him, you'd say two and a half miles suits him best, but he's versatile."

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