Inca to round off splendid season with another win
The six-year-old is a credit to trainer, Colm Murphy, and, having just the fifth race of the season, should strip a relatively fresh horse.
He improved with each of his three runs at home, prior to going off the 7-2 favourite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Prestbury Park.
Brave Inca lived up to all the expectations, producing a fine blend of speed and staying power to beat compatriot, War Of Attrition, a hard-earned neck.
The form has been working out well with three of those behind, Garde Champetre, Bourbon Manhattan and Zibeline, all winning in the meantime.
The selection faces stiff opposition now, as you would expect in a Grade One, but all the evidence is he is the best horse in the race and only if Cheltenham has left its mark could you envisage one, or more, of them beating him!
Moscow Flyer faces a straightforward task in the other Grade One on the programme, the BETDAQ.com Champion Chase.
Jessica Harrington’s charge has a simple-to-remember record over fences, he either wins or falls.
He tumbled out of the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham, but was back on song when easily dismissing Isio and Native Upmanship at Aintree.
Only four are set to face the starter in the Ellier Developments Novice Chase. Sum Leader appears outclassed, but Hi Cloy, Nil Desperandum and Lord Sam promise a fascinating tussle.
Hi Cloy was given an inspired drive by Timmy Murphy in the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse to beat Kicking King by half a length with Nil Desperandum (levels) a further six lengths away in third.
Nil Desperandum was, however, returning from a long break and may reverse the placings on this occasion.
Lord Sam is unbeaten in three outings over fences, but has shaped like a thorough stayer, who wants three miles, and Nil Desperandum is fancied to outspeed him in the closing stages.
