Roggets off the mark in fine style
He blundered two out when launching his challenge, but the capable Tom Ryan sat tight and Rog picked up in fine style to score going away.
“That's the first time he has carried the colours of John Kelly, who is a property developer from Inniscarra”', reported Cully. “He is a great supporter of the yard and I am delighted for him.”
Jessica Harrington's Green Belt Flyer, a strong even-money chance, was much too good for his rivals in the Saltan Properties Beginners Chase. He quickened in style for Robert Power between the final two fences to head How Is Things and score by a comfortable two lengths.
“He jumped great, but didn't handle the track”', reported Harrington's husband, John. Speaking from Punchestown, where her Moscow Flyer duly did the business, Ms Harrington indicated that Green Belt Flyer may reappear at Naas next Saturday.
Harringtown and Power were on the mark as well when I'll Call You Back turned the Saltan Properties INH Stallion Owners' EBF Novice Hurdle into a procession.
The six-year-old had been very frustrating, but got his act together here with a decent performance.
Power won the contest in the first couple of furlongs, grabbing a huge lead, which he never looked like relinquishing.
Said John Harrington: “He's not an easy horse to ride, is very free and Robert used his head.”
Dermot Weld's Ease The Way, easy to back in the ring, outclassed his rivals in the Saltan Properities Maiden Hurdle. The capable David Evans allowed him stride on heading to the second last and the race was over as a contest approching the final flight.
Ease The Way, however, made a bad mistake but it made no difference and he wasn't in any danger on the level.
“He doesn't do a lot in front, so I left him alone and he stepped right into the hurdle”, reported a relieved Evans.
Tony Mullins' Show Me The River, third at Leopardstown previously, found the company much more to his liking in the Bumper.
The strapping gelding was driven clear early in the straight by Pa Muphy to easily beat Bob Scotton.
Commented Mullins: “I am surprised it took him so long to win. He is a real chaser in the making and will go directly over fences next season.''
Barry Cash gave Noeleens Moon a strong drive to take the Saltan Properties Handicap Hurdle for the Philip Rothwell stable.
The mare had been in good form, prior to disappointing at Gowran Park previously, but came right back to her best here.
She led at the second last and kept going really well for Cash driving to defy top weight from Anna Rose.
Nina Carberry was again seen to advantage when guiding Chicago Vic to victtory in the Saltan Properties Handicap Hurdle for lady riders.
The Marian Flavin trained daughter of Old Vic led two out and soon scampered away to beat Masjoor by eight lengths.
