Mullins has Cheltenham in mind for the impressive Decoy Daddy
“I knew he was decent, but am half-thinking might just be classy, I was impressed with that”, said Mullins, after his charge had cruised home five lengths to the good.
Partnered with real confidence by Michael Darcy, Decoy Daddy edged ahead going to the second last and had far too much speed in the closing stages for his rival.
Continued Mullins: “If the owners agree, I will pitch him in at the deep end at Leopardstown at Christmas and go for the Paddy Power Future Champion Novice Hurdle.
“I’m not sure whether another run will be necessary in the meantime. I have Cheltenham in mind, Leopardstown will tell us what we need to know, and don’t want to burn him out.”
Oliver McKiernan’s Whatuthink looks a real horse for the future on the evidence of his success in the www.corkracecourse.ie Maiden Hurdle.
He had to dig deep in the straight for Conor O’Dwyer, but threw a mighty leap at the last, before forging away from Nollaig on the flat to score by a length and a half.
O’Dwyer, who is quite selective about what he rides these days, was impressed. He said: “He’s a chaser in the making, but will win plenty along the way over hurdles.”
Said McKiernan: “We had him as ready as we could for his first run of the season at Galway, but he improved a lot for that.
“I would love to run him at Leopardstown at Christmas, that track would suit. He is very easy to train and will go chasing next season.”
The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase produced a cracking contest, which went to Michael O’Brien’s Le Toscan.
Favourite Finger Onthe Pulse gave an exhibition of jumping in front, but couldn’t raise his tempo once headed by the winner two out.
Callherwhatulike stayed on powerfully to claim second from the final fence, in a contest in which all of the first three emerged with real credit.
“He had schooled really well”, remarked Denis Cullen, assistant to Michael O’Brien, of Le Toscan. “Andy (Lynch) said he took a blow before the turn in, so should improve plenty.”
Rock Street was long odds-on for the INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Maiden Hurdle and did his job with the minimum of fuss.
Always travelling smoothly in the hands of Philip Enright, he was about to take the measure of Wara Mountain when that one departed three out.
Commented trainer, Robert Tyner: “That was lovely, he did it well. A winners of one will be next and he will make a nice chaser.”
Jaamid, who might on occasions in the past be accused of ducking the issue, ran away with the valuable Blackwater Handicap Hurdle.
Usually brought late on the scene, in-form Tom Ryan made his move early in the straight. Jaamid tackled Head Waiter over three out and then forged right away to beat fast-finishing Massini Magic by eight lengths. It was the first winner Ryan has ridden for Jaamid’s trainer, Noel Meade.
A perfect day was rounded of by Meade when Cottage Oak proved far too good for the opposition in the Bumper.
He beat little of note first time up at Down Royal, but is clearly hugely progressive, bounding away here under two furlongs down for Martin Doran.
Robbie McNamara, who partnered She Isa Delight in this race, was in before the stewards for attempting to weigh out with a defective body protector.
He was suspended for 21 racedays and instructed that the next time he weighs out he presents a valid body protector to the clerk of the scales and if there was a further breach of this instruction he may be referred to the Licensing Committee.
Furthermore, the stewards inquired into McNamara’s conduct on leaving the room and, as a result, he was fined €200.
Michael Darcy, successful on Decoy Daddy, completed a double when giving Beau Bridget a fine drive to land the Charleville Handicap Chase.
A brilliant jumper, the mare led over the third last and Darcy kept enough in reserve to hold the late flourish of Jupiter Hollow by half a length.
