Optimus in prime condition to foil Toscan gamble
Off the track since Limerick at Christmas, the seven-year-old stripped fresh and well to foil a gamble on Le Toscan.
Michael O’Brien’s charge was backed from 11-8 to 4-6, but appeared decidedly unenthusiastic at times through the contest.
He got low at some of his fences and had to be cajoled and pushed along on occasions by Andrew Lynch. When he skipped on coming away from the third last, however, the wagers seemed in safe enough keeping.
But Optimus Prime, who made a lot of the running, rallied back and was nicely on top between the last two fences.
Commented Maguire: “He got a bang at Limerick and, with that and the ground, we decided to take our time. He’s in a few races at Punchestown, so we will see how he comes out of this.”
Ruby Walsh moved to within one of Davy Russell in the jockeys’ championship when driving The Corby Glenn to victory in the Racecourse Supporters’ Club Handicap Hurdle.
He started a warm 6-4 favourite, but was being scrubbed along a fair way out by Walsh. He responded generously, however, led going to the second last and then stretched away to score by four lengths.
“We had a good man aboard”, remarked trainer, Barry Potts. “This fellow could go to Punchestown, if getting in, or else it will be our local track, Sligo.”
Cloth Fair, who has often promised more than was delivered, got off the mark with a vengeance in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Confidently handled by David Casey, she tracked the leaders until given the office to quicken into the lead coming away from the second last.
The daughter of Old Vic quickly eased clear to beat well-backed favourite, Itsmylife, who held every chance, but looked woefully one paced.
Winning trainer, John Kiely, said: “I’m pleased she’s won, she’s been very consistent. We will find a handicap now somewhere.”
Willie Mullins, who supplied two beaten favourites through the afternoon, struck in the Bumper with Cormackstown.
Having only his second outing for the trainer, Cormackstown made most of the running to beat Kenlon.
Commented Mullins: “I will try and win a hurdle race with him, but he will be going chasing next season.”
The Man Himself, nearer last than first in his three previous races, took the Tramore Racecourse Maiden Hurdle.
Given an enterprising drive by Michael Darcy, the Oliver McKiernan-trained winner made all to beat Karlu and Ballymahon.
Returned at 14-1, The Man Himself paid a more realistic 34-1 plus on the Tote. The stewards inquired into the improved form and noted the explanations offered.
Pat Morris enjoyed a welcome turn when Modular took the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase in the hands of Ian McCarthy, after hitting the front down hill to two out.
The grey eventually scrambled home from Twofan, backed from 8-1 to 9-2, who would surely have landed the touch, but for getting in tight to the final fence.
John Allen was another to have a welcome turn when Indian Love won the Graun Hill Beginners Chase.
A moderate heat, but the Paul Cashman-trained mare did the job in style, after Allen had allowed her stride on away from three out.
She did tend to shift left over the last two fences, but had plenty in the locker to easily beat the running-on All Heart.
