WILLIE Mullins landed the Grade 2 Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle for the fifth successive year as Sober, last seen winning the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot, overcame a seven-month absence to score in impressive fashion.
Just three went to post and the odds-on Road Exile set the pace against two runners from the Mullins yard. However, distress signals were out on the favourite as Sober (6/4 - 9/4) cruised into contention before the straight.
Paul Townend’s mount asserted before the last and kept on well on the run-in to score by five and a half lengths.
The champion trainer was represented by his assistant David Casey, who said: “He had a break after Ascot, and I thought he might need a bit further, but I suppose his flat class told.
“Paul said he quickened very well, and he was delighted with him. A truer run race would probably suit him as well and hopefully he’ll improve plenty and keep going forward.
“He’s in the two-mile race at the Dublin Racing Festival, but my guess is he won’t go there as it’s too close.
“He jumped a bit sketchy at the first, but after that Paul said he was good.”
Flat options are also open to the Camelot gelding and Casey added: “He could end up back at Ascot again and is owned by Australians (OTI Racing), so he could head out there in November!”
Pyke unbeaten over fences
Mullins completed a big race double in the Grade 3 Sky Bet Super Sub Novice Chase over an extended two miles and three furlongs, where Kappa Jy Pyke made it two from two over fences under Danny Mullins.
Stablemate Predators Gold was all the rage, but the 4/6 favourite couldn’t find any extra on the run-in as Kappa Jy Pyke showed a nice turn of foot to beat Jacob’s Ladder by three and a half lengths, with the odds-on favourite weakening back in third.
“We thought he was a decent horse last year over hurdles, but he disappointed after winning his maiden hurdle. I’d say he’s just strengthened up a bit this year,” said Casey of the 5/1 winner, who is owned by Richard and Michelle Varmen.
“It looked like they went a nice gallop on the ground. Danny said he relaxed when he pulled him out and he put it to bed well at the back of the last. We thought he was a stayer last year, but at the moment you would say that trip suits him.”
KEVIN Murphy partnered his first winner when giving Diamond Dollar a well-judged patient ride in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase.
The Charles Byrnes-trained 5/1 shot, who was having his first start over fences, led early in the straight and stretched right away on the run-in to beat Just For Yuse by 22 lengths. Shane Markey was given an eight-day ban for his use of the whip on third-placed Mastermind.
“The plan was to jump out last and get him settled. They went hard in front and the race fell apart, but he ended up being a very good winner. I schooled him over fences the other morning and I couldn’t have been happier,” said a delighted Murphy, who has held a licence for over five years.
“I’ve had over 100 rides and had about six or seven seconds, so it’s unbelievable to finally get one in front. I go to Charles two mornings a week and Declan Queally two mornings. I also go to Eugene O’Sullivan and do a bit for Mick Winters as well. I try and spread myself out and be in as many places as I can.”
Byrnes later completed a double when I Started A Joke, ridden by his son Philip, justified odds of 8/11 in the Sky Bet, For The Fans Maiden Hurdle.
The bumper winner had shown promise in three hurdle starts this term and got well on top on the run-in to beat Springhill Warrior by eight and a half lengths.
“He’ll probably go handicapping now and could go up to two and a half miles. He looked in bother at stages, and he was niggling before they turned in,” said Byrnes, who trains the gelding for Kate Costello and Brothers Syndicate.
LEADING owner J.P. McManus completed a treble in the remaining three races on the card including Showurappreciation, who provided Derek O’Connor with a fifth victory in the Sky Bet Extra Places Amateur National (Q.R.) Handicap Chase.
The Jonathan Sweeney-trained gelding struck the front at the last, where Bigbraveboy made a bad mistake, and kept on strongly to beat Ney by five and a half lengths.
O’Connor was given a four-day ban for careless riding, following an incident involving Whateys Quest and Harbour Highway entering the home straight.
“Today was kind of the plan. We’ll have a chat with Frank (Berry) and see what he says to the boss. He jumps well and is a staying chaser. You wouldn’t be running him on very quick ground. Keep the rain coming!” said Sweeney of the 5/1 winner.
Off the mark
The Mouse Morris-trained Banter At The Bar opened his account under rules over an extended two miles and six furlongs in the Sky Bet Club Beginners Chase, with the 12/1 chance taking control after two out under Gavin Brouder to beat John The Diva by five lengths.
“He wasn’t making much shape over hurdles, so fences have obviously done something for him. He popped away there, and Gavin said he liked the slow ground and the trip. It couldn’t be far enough for him,” said Frank Berry.
Powerful success
Powerful, 12/1 overnight and sent off a 13/2 chance, was the third leg of the McManus treble in the Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Qualifier Handicap Hurdle.
Simon Torrens’ mount made smooth headway to lead before the last and was pushed out on the run-in to beat San Hilario by two lengths.
“He never travelled in Leopardstown where he lugged to the right, so maybe he’s happier going right-handed than left-handed. He’s a big horse to organise and loved it today over two and a half,” said trainer Jessica Harrington.
“He’ll probably come back here for the final and will be a lovely chaser for next year. He was a very weak horse, but has got a lot stronger.”