Newmill opens his chasing account in fine style
In-form Barry Geraghty took him into the lead from the start and, except for a minor error three out, he jumped quite brilliantly.
Newmill was clear five from home, but approaching the turn in Twist ’N Shout closed right up.
Geraghty had saved loads, however, and soon let out an inch of rein. The talented six-year-old did the rest, easing clear to score unextended by 13 lengths.
“The Durkan New Homes Novice Chase at Leopardstown on St Stephen’s Day will be next”, said O’Leary.
“All our horses have had the cough and are two and a half months behind. In hindsight he probably shouldn’t have gone to Naas, but had a good school and it got him going.”
Boylesports left him unchanged at 25-1 for the Arkle, Ladbrokes go 20-1, from 25’s, while Cashmans offered 16-1 from 20’s.
It seems far from certain, however, that Newmill will join the Cheltenham raiding party.
“The Arkle is an option, but I will only take him there when I think he’s ready”, commented O’Leary.
Tous Les Tables stayed on best, on ground described by his pilot, Paul Carberry, as “bottomless”, to take the Powerstown three-year-old Maiden Hurdle.
He exercised plenty of patience, working his charge into the contest to cruise past the always prominent Grangehill Dancer between the final two flights.
Carberry is gradually eating into championship leader Ruby Walsh’s advantage at the top of the table and is now 10 behind on 65.
Paul Nolan’s Escrea reaped the reward of consistency when battling on doggedly to take the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle.
John Cullen powered her ahead before the last to beat Authentic Creature a comfortable three lengths.
“She deserved that”, said Nolan. “The extra half mile helped and it will be handicapping now.”
Christy Roche’s Calladine battled on strongly to take the Demesne Beginners Chase to grab a first victory since the Leopardstown November Handicap in 2001.
Lincam looked the likely winner for most of the straight, but blundered at the last and Alan Crowe quickly seized his chance to drive Calladine past.
“He’s a tough little horse and it’s great to see him win”, said Roche. “But he’s had two operations on his tendons and whether he runs again remains to be seen.”
The Curragh handler had an upbeat bulletin on stable star Like-A-Butterfly, who will take on Newmill at Christmas. “She’s in super form, unbelievable, I wish the race was tomorrow”, he said.
Willie Mullins’ well-touted former winning pointer, Missed That, was backed from evens to 4-5 and proved far too good for the opposition in the Bumper.
Confidently handled by Jamie Codd, he quickened in style from the furlong pole to surge four lengths clear of Tengo Ambro.
“He will now go for a winners’ bumper at Leopardstown at Christmas”, reported Mullins.
Joe Crowley’s Glenbane Lady went through the surface best in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle in the hands of John Allen.
She forged ahead nearing the penultimate flight and had enough in reserve in the closing stages to resist Knock Na Garm Lad.
Barry Geraghty, successful aboard Newmill, looked sure to complete a double when easing Intercounty into the lead before two out in the Cashel Handicap Chase. Intercounty, though, found little for pressure on the run in and Robbie Colgan forced the Bill Harney trained Ard Hudie past close home for a length and a half success.
