Walsh angling for Aintree with Seabass
The former champion was seen at his strongest on Seabass, trained by his father Ted, to beat the flattering Zaarito by a length in the paddypower.com Chase, having earlier driven Felix Yonger clear on the run-in to land the paddypwer.com Novice Hurdle.
Dropping back to two miles, Seabass extended his winning sequence to seven races, stretching back more than two years, when justifying 5/4 favouritism in the Grade 2 feature, getting the better of the flattering Zaarito, which had come through to lead at the second last before being outstayed on the run-in.
A delighted Ted Walsh, who trains the nine-year-old for the Gunners Syndicate, stated: “He was gutsy. He got under the last two fences, when he was probably out of his comfort zone, going a bit too quick, but found plenty for Ruby.
“He jumped and travelled well and will go straight to Aintree now. I’m delighted to win a Grade 2 with him, particularly over two miles.
“We just have to keep him sound, because he’s been on the scrap-heap three times in his life. But he has won €120,000 in prize-money since his point-to-point in Ballinaboola in November. So he’s done great already.”
And, when asked about who will ride Seabass in the John Smiths Grand National on April 14, Walsh responded. “Willie will have a few for Aintree and so will Paul (Nicholls). But it’ll be Ruby’s choice. I’ll be delighted if he decides to ride this horse. If he doesn’t, I have a very good deputy in Katie.”
The Willie Mullins-trained Felix Yonger is likely to fulfil one of his Cheltenham engagements following his gutsy three lengths victory over Dressedtothenines and front-running One Cool Shabra in the Grade 2 paddypower.,com Novice Hurdle.
In the colours of Graham and Andrea Wylie, the Oscar gelding survived untidy jumps at the final two flights before forging clear for Ruby Walsh on the run-in for an emphatic win.
“Dropping back in trip wasn’t a problem,” said Willie Mullins. “He’s a super mover and not really a winter horse. He’ll enjoy proper spring ground and, on this evidence, is good enough to travel (to Cheltenham). I’ll have to talk to Mr Wylie about which race we should target.
“He has plenty of gears at home and two miles on good ground shouldn’t be a problem, although Ruby says he stays well. He ran to his rating today and should improve again.”
Both Boylesports and Stan James make Felix Yonger 25/1 (from 33) for the Neptune Investments Novice Hurdle at Chelrenham while Stan James cut him to 25/1 (from 33) for the ‘Supreme Novices’.
Mullins was expected to complete a double with hot-pot The Paparrazi Kind in the bumper. But, having edged past front-running Rory O’Moore with a furlong and a half to race, the 2/5 shot found little when he came under pressure and was beaten a half-length.
Rory O’Moore is trained by Ronnie O’Neill and was a second winner in the saddle for his son John.
Rathlin, in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud, completed a chasing hat-trick in the Grade 2 Woodlands Park 100 Nas Na Riogh Novice Chase.
Always prominent and jumping with his usual exuberance, the Davy Russell-ridden seven-year-old had his rivals in trouble three from home and galloped on resolutely to slam Shot Fron The Hip by eight and a half length, with Gates Of Rome a well-beaten third.
Back after a winter break, the Paul Cashman-trained Idarah booked his ticket to Cheltenham when defying top-weight in the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Handicap Hurdle, the tough grey battling bravely under a strong ride by Nina Carberry to foil Rocky Wednesday and favourite Sportsmaster.
Mark Walsh, rider of third-placed Sportsmaster, was subsequently suspended for one race-day for careless riding.
