Conflict can’t be avoided

CAPTAIN Conflict is the nap choice to land the Ardmore Advertising Bumper on what looks a particularly competitive programme at Down Royal this afternoon.

Willie Mullins’ twice-raced five-year-old performed with distinct promise first time out, over flights at Navan, and confirmed the good impression created then in a bumper at Punchestown subsequently.

The selection was beaten half a length into second spot by Hangover after rider, Patrick Mullins, had dropped his whip in the straight. The third horse, Chicago Grey, was a further nine lengths away in third and the form may be reasonable, considering he had run really well first time up at Leopardstown.