Just a Breeze for Darcy
Darcy is at the top of his form, having enjoyed similar luck at Navan on Sunday, and was seen at his strongest when partnering 16/1 shot Baily Breeze to victory over odds-on favourite Far From Trouble in the Glen Chase.
Having made all the running, Baily Breeze was flat to the boards turning for home, tracked by the favourite and veteran Ned Kelly. But between the final two fences it became obvious that Far From Trouble had little more to offer and Baily Breeze stayed on strongly to triumph by seven lengths.
Delighted trainer Mouse Morris explained: “That’s a bonus. He jumped from wing to wing and got a good positive ride. His full sister, Baily Mist, won this race last year and I’ll look for a three mile novice for him now, probably over the Christmas period.”
Darcy completed his double when Just proved the only successful favourite of the day, battling dourly to beat Castle Kevin in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase.
Just is trained by Michael Hourigan who said: “he’ll just keep tipping away in his own class and probably won’t run again until Christmas. He’s in the ‘Paddy Power’ but that would be dreaming and I don’t think he stays three miles. We’ll keep mixing it with him over hurdles and fences.”
Biggest talking point of the day was the defeat of Cheltenham bumper winner Missed That in the opening Beginners Chase, the odds-on favourite finishing a disappointing third behind Public Reaction.
Missed That showed a lack of technique in his jumping and, in the circumstances, David Casey did well to produce him with a challenge two fences from home before he weakened to be beaten more than nine lengths.
A clearly disappointed Casey later stated that Missed That was “never travelling” while trainer Willie Mullins, mystified by the display, is planning to reconsider future plans for the six-year-old.
Mullins said: “his jumping was too deliberate and it’s a case of going back to the drawing board with him. We might go back over hurdles and delay chasing until next season.”
The winner, Public Reaction, made the early running under Conor O’Dwyer and produced a late flourish to catch Trampoline King in the shadows of the post, prompting trainer Eddie Hales to admit: “I didn’t think he got up but he certainly kept finding a bit for Conor. He was a bit sticky over the last few fences but he is a fun horse and has now won on the flat over hurdles and fences. I don’t know where he’ll go next but might run somewhere over Christmas.”
Edward O’Grady saddled two runners for the Rock of Cashel Hurdle and it was the 161/1 second string According To Billy, ridden by John Cullen, which landed the spoils, prompting his trainer to describe the outcome as “a pleasant surprise”.
“I thought he needed good ground but I was obviously wrong. I’ll have to talk to Patsy (owner Patsy Byrne) about plans for him.”
Mossy Green, a course specialist, attempted to make all and was only collared on the run-in.
Tralee trainer Tommy Cooper saddled Dreux to win the Juvenile Hurdle, for which Dylan’s Dilemma started a short price favourite but could finish only third. Dreux came home a 20 lengths winner and will now be aimed at the Durkan New Homes Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown on St Stephens Day.
Cooper said: “we gelded him after he ran here in September and he’s certainly jumped better here today. He has plenty of scope and will make a lovely chaser some day.”
Paul Carberry provided Adrian Maguire with his third training success when bringing Oscar Night with a late challenge to deny favourite Mister Top Notch in the Cahir Maiden Hurdle.
And George Kent, owner of the smart filly Tropical Lady which is trained by Jim Bolger, recorded his first win as a permit holder when Bally Scanlon landed the Munster Handicap Hurdle under amateur Pat Crowley.
Kent, who was represented by his son John, is based on Tramore.
