Pandorama can makewinning start over fences
The former winning pointer looked aweseome and virtually unbeatable in the early part of last season, although a couple of Willie Mullins’ horses soon showed that was far from the case.
Nevertheless, the Flemensfirth gelding produced some fine displays, before being put firmly in his place by the brilliant Mullins-trained Mikael d’Haguenet at Navan.
The selection then got back on track in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown in February, his last appearance of the campaign, but had a large slice of luck on his side.
Mullins’ Cousin Vinny was cantering all over him going to the last, but parted company with Patrick Mullins, leaving Pandorama in for a bloodless victory.
In any case, Pandorama’s true calling was always going to be jumping fences and he has to get the nod to beat the promising Clan Tara.
Noel Meade trains Pandorama and is set to take the wraps off French-import, Rahan de Marcigny, in the Go Racing In Kildare Hurdle.
He now carries the colours of J P McManus and is simply impossible to assess in an Irish context.
The four-year-old threw in a couple of poor efforts, prior to scoring at Pau by five lengths in an 18-runner affair.
Rahan de Marcigny gets the vote on the basis that much may well be expected of him now, particularly with Tony McCoy being brought across to take the ride.
Willie Mullins’ Vertige Dore is the one to beat in the Bumper. He was a strong order first time up at Listowel, but seemed to take an age to get the hang of what was required and went under by five lengths to Lucky William.
But Lucky William went on to defy a penalty with any amount in hand at Naas, so the form appears smart.
