Alexandre confirms first impression
Ruby Walsh took him into the lead from the start and the more the race developed the more reason you had to be pleased by the imposing individual.
This was over off the home turn, as Pont Alexandre lengthened clear to beat Sizing Gold by 11 lengths.
“It was a huge performance, to make all in that weather and on that ground”, said Mullins, not given to making silly statements.
“I’d say he’ll go for the Neptune at Cheltenham, but will also be entered for the Albert Bartlett, although Ballycasey is likely to be our runner in that.”
Mullins indicated he can’t wait for Pont Alexandre to go over fences and also reported that he believes the five-year-old will be even better on good ground.
Mullins’ Glens Melody, who had 5lbs and almost seven lengths to find with stable companion, Zuzka, on their previous running at this track, emerged easily the best of the pair in the Listed Frank Ward Solicitors’ Solerina Mares Novice Chase.
Zuzka never travelled at all, while Glens Melody, ridden much closer to the pace than the last day, moved sweetly through the contest.
Paul Townend eased her to the front going to the last and Glens Melody quickened away to beat Jennies Jewel.
Said Mullins: “We ran her more prominently today and it seemed to work. She will have no problem going up to two and a half miles.”
Winner number four of the day for Mullins, it was a third for Walsh, came when Rupert Lamb took the Leopardstown Beginners Chase.
He made every yard of the running and had little trouble shrugging off Toner D’Oudairies.
“He jumped well, was brave and looks like one who could turn up in a handicap”, reported Mullins.
The champion trainer’s Urano, however, proved a costly failure in the Frank Conroy Memorial Maiden Hurdle, after going off a heavily backed 1-2 shot.
When his main market rival, Some Article, went out through the rail, after the second flight, those who traded at short odds were entitled to feel a dividend would be arriving in a short space of time.
Urano cruised ahead going to the last, but was joined at the obstacle by Legal Exit, partnered by Barry Geraghty for Jim Culloty.
On the flat it was no contest, as Legal Exit quickened in style to score by an easy four lengths.
Said Culloty: “I’ve always thought the world of this horse. We will look for a winners’ of one now, but he could be a very good chaser next season.”
Tony Martin’s Blackmail was the punters’ pick in the Bumper and he obliged in style for Robbie McNamara.
Blackmail made most of the running and only had to be nudged out in the straight to easily beat Mullins’ promising newcomer, Sizing Chile.
Commented Martin: “He couldn’t have done it any better. He will go for a winners’ bumper, but whether it will at Cheltenham I don’t know.”
Thee horse that beat Blackmail at Leopardstown previously, Moyle Park, was sold at Cheltenham on Saturday night for £250,000 and now joins Willie Mullins.
Tony McCoy drove Competitive Edge to the front in the final strides of the Sandyford Handicap Chase to give trainer, Conor O’Dwyer, his first winner since last May.
