LEXUS CHASE (GRADE 1)

AS expected one of the few major domestic prizes to have eluded his grasp finally came the way of Willie Mullins as Don Poli claimed the Lexus Chase but last season’s RSA Chase winner had to work harder than he has ever done to prevail.

Part of a three-strong Mullins challenge for the €150,000 contest, Don Poli justified 4/6 favouritism in a race that has been the springboard to Gold Cup glory for Denman and Synchronised in the last decade.

However, the manner of this triumph prompted a general lengthening in Don Poli’s odds for Cheltenham while bookmakers took the view that the result further enhanced the Gold Cup claims of stablemate Djakadam.

The testing conditions meant that this was going to be one of the more exacting editions of the Lexus in recent times and this was Don Poli’s first venture into an open Grade 1.

His form, the conditions and official ratings all endorsed his claims for glory but he was given quite a scare by Foxrock and lastly a resurgent First Lieutenant who was making his fourth appearance in the race.

In 2012 and 2013 the latter had victory snatched from his grasp late on but this time the admirable gelding was the one who threatened to pounce late as he more than played his part in an enthralling finale.

For much of the race, the Gigginstown-owned and Bryan Cooper-ridden Don Poli looked on from third as On His Own and Foxrock cut out the running.

As is his wont, the market leader raced lazily at times throughout the last mile but nearing the second last fence he was well placed to pick up the leading pair. On the run to the last though, On His Own and Foxrock both remained into contention and Cooper had to ask his mount for his all.

Another efficient jump at the last set up Don Poli to take the measure of Foxrock who he then crossed on the run-in. Victory still wasn’t in safe keeping as a patient Davy Russell attempted to pounce on First Lieutenant and that one bore down ominously in the last 150 yards.

Determined

A determined Don Poli carried the day though to prevail by half a length and consign First Lieutenant to his third runner-up finish in the race. Foxrock was the same distance back in third with On His Own just two and a quarter lengths back in fourth. Sir Des Champs and Carlingford Lough filled the final two placings.

“He just does what he has to. I’m happy,” said Mullins. “Bryan said he was lazy and that when he got to the front the horse pulled up. He is a lazy horse but he keeps it for when it matters most and that’s what I like and I think Bryan is getting more confident riding him.

“It was his first senior Grade 1 and it was tough going. In these conditions today things were tough and he was probably getting a bit tired but when the others came at him he kept pulling it out. It’s hard to know how good he is and how much more he will produce but I was very happy with him.

“He’s now had two tough races this season so maybe we’ll head straight to Cheltenham now but there is the Irish Gold Cup back here in February so we’ll just have to see,” added the trainer.

With Djakadam and Vautour also at the forefront of his stunning chasing team, Mullins was keen to stress that all remain in Gold Cup contention.

“We’ll just have to see how things go between now and March. Fingers-crossed we can keep them all in good shape and we won’t be ruling out any horse at this stage.”

Meanwhile Bryan Cooper, who was landing his first Grade 1 of the Christmas period, reflected: “It was a tough race and it wasn’t as straightforward as it looked but he got the job done and it would have taken a fair horse to get by me. I must say that Mouse (Morris) has done a tremendous job to get First Lieutenant back to his best.

“I was genuinely very happy through the race but Paddy (Mullins) and On His Own picked up better than I thought they would off the last bend.

“My horse is tough and he loves a battle and got to the front although I would say I thought that I was all out in the last 20 yards,” added the rider.