Aura About You denies Bill four-timer
Aura About You was completing a 62-1 double for trainer Paul Nolan and rider Michael Doran, initiated by Golden Sunbird earlier in the day. Nolan pushed his total to three when Politeo justified favouritism in the Mullins Electrical Beginners Chase.
For Bill never looked particularly happy on the tacky ground and was in trouble well before the final bend, as Gentle Alice carried them along.
In the end, however, it was Aura About You who had all the answers. She joined issue with Gentle Alice at the last and quickly forged clear to beat the running-on For Bill by three lengths.
Nolan was represented by his brother, James, who said: “That was a great ride by Michael, the slow pace didn’t suit us or For Bill.
“It’s the spring now and she’s coming to herself and will head for the mares’ novice chase at Fairyhouse at Easter.”
The progressive Golden Sunbird ran away with the Listed Kerry Group EBF Mares’ Novice Hurdle.
Dare To Doubt was the warm favourite, to follow up her victory in Graded company at Naas, and she set a strong gallop.
She could never get away from the winner, however, and the writing was on the wall once Doran pushed Golden Sunbird past just before the home turn.
The final margin was a whopping 18 lengths, with Definite Class coming through late to beat Dare To Doubt for second.
James Nolan reported: “She is real tough and we left Michael ride, even though he couldn’t claim, because he gets a great tune out of her.
“We decided to take Willie’s (Dare To Doubt) mare on and she will now go for the mares’ final at Fairyhouse. She will be even better on better ground.”
Nolan quipped: “I’m enjoying this,” after Davy Russell guided Politeo to a smooth win in the beginners chase.
Owned by Gigginstown, Politeo jumped for fun and had little trouble coping with Beckwith Star.
“That was an ordinary contest and I just hope the handicapper gives him a chance,” said Nolan. “I’d say he will run through the summer.”
Conor Maxwell rode his first winner since returning from injury when driving Vics Canvas to an unlikely success in the Friends Of Liam Hogan Maiden Hurdle.
The well-backed favourite was going nowhere downhill to the straight and must have had all of ten horses in front of him. He stayed on dourly, however, and fairly flew though the last hundred yards to grab the flattering pair, What A Laugh and Wise Oscar.
Vics Canvas is trained just five minutes from Fairyhouse racecourse at Ratoath by Dermot McLoughlin, who said: “His form was rock-solid and I would have been disappointed if he didn't win.”
Andrew McNamara’s D’s Trix stormed to the front for Alan Crowe going to two out to land the Charleville Cheese Handicap Chase.
“He had a wind operation in January,” said McNamara, and it obviously worked like a dream.”
A poor weekend for Willie Mullins ended when Lovethehigherlaw couldn’t justify odds of 1-2 in the Kevin Frost Memorial Bumper.
Victory went to Mount Benbulben, who powered away in the straight to beat the favourite by eight lengths.
Trainer, Gillian Callaghan, said: “He’s a fair horse, I’m delighted, but can’t believe he did it so well. He’ll have a break now and come back hurdling.”
The Cecil Ross-trained Our Eric popped up at 25-1, almost 50-1 on the tote, in the Ballynoe Stables Pre-Cheltenham Handicap Hurdle.
Barry Cash swept him ahead between the last two flights to beat Colls Corner by a comfortable seven lengths.
