Analifet stakes triumph claim at Fairyhouse

Analifet kept her unbeaten record intact with a bloodless victory in the Bar One Racing Juvenile 3-Y-O Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

A winner at Compiegne in France in early May, the Gigginstown House Stud-owned filly bolted up on her debut for champion trainer Willie Mullins at Punchestown a fortnight ago and was a 30-100 favourite for this Grade Three assignment.

Sent straight to the head of affairs by Ruby Walsh, Analifet travelled powerfully and hurdled fluently and it was clear from the home turn she had her rivals in serious trouble.

Stable companion Noble Inn, nine lengths away in second at Punchestown, once again came through to fill the runner-up spot, this time beaten six and a half lengths.

Mullins said: “It was a good performance and I’m delighted with her. It was a quick time on quick ground and she was able to handle that. I think soft ground won’t be any worry to her either.

“Ruby had no trouble with her and was able to go off in front. She did everything like a good mare.

“I’ll probably look at Leopardstown at Christmas with her.

“In the three-year-old department, it’s going to be tough to keep the horses apart.

“I’m particularly pleased with Noble Inn. He jumped a lot better today. Coming from a Flat yard, he’s going to improve more.

“The ground was very quick for him and Paul (Townend) said he was going as fast as he could.

“As we get further into the winter on slower ground that will suit him better.”

Paddy Power initially clipped Analifet to 12-1 from 14-1 for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in March but now make her the 10-1 favourite.

The Tullow Tank repaid the faith of his connections by claiming victory in a thrilling Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle.

The Philip Fenton-trained five-year-old looked the part when winning a maiden hurdle at Naas in early November and owner Barry Connell was happy to supplement him for this Grade One contest.

Mullins’ front-runner Renneti briefly looked to have shaken off his rivals in the straight, but The Tullow Tank and Danny Mullins reeled him in after the final flight to score by half a length.

Renneti was a clear second, finishing ahead of stable companions Arctic Fire and Alonso in third and fourth respectively.