IT was business as usual for Irish runners at Cheltenham last Saturday with no fewer than five of the winners making the trip over the Irish Sea, including a notable double for Gordon Elliott whose Pied Piper (109+) took the first steps towards a tilt at the Champion Hurdle.

Chemical Energy (132+) completed the double for the Cullentra House trainer and, of the duo, it is his performance I would highlight as he was matching the two-mile chasers for speed in a final circuit comparison before being eased by Davy Russell.

The final analysis of the circuit times will show Dads Lad (137+) to have covered the ground 4.7secs quicker, although even when heavily eased Chemical Energy was still 4.3secs faster than Lord Accord (130) who won the extended three-mile handicap.

Davy Russell reported after the race his mount was happier on the outside where the ground was better, so the son of Well Chosen is probably not one to follow when the ground softens in mid-winter.

However, given similar underfoot conditions I would have no doubt he can make his presence felt in graded company.

Strong pace

The circumstances were similar over hurdles as a combination of the slow pace in the Masterson Holdings Hurdle and a strong pace in the Pertemps qualifier saw Shoot First (141+) cover the final circuit in an identical time to Pied Piper.

Gordon Elliott’s gelding was much quicker through the closing stages and his jumping, bar diving at the last hurdle, was assured.

However, he will need to run almost twice as quick to pose any threat to either defending champion Honeysuckle or the pretender to her crown, Constitution Hill, at the Festival in March.

As for the Pertemps qualifier winner Charles Byrnes revealed post-race he may head straight to the final in March without another run.

The six-year-old was an impressive winner on Saturday posting a time figure not far short of the required standard to win the final while looking to have plenty in reserve as he wandered around on the climb to the line in the hands of the trainer’s son, Philip Byrnes.

Botox Has (139) provides the substance to the form having been placed twice at Cheltenham last year before winning the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell.

Gary Moore’s gelding was prominent throughout before staying on again up the hill to reclaim second, he will likely be back for the listed contest over the course and distance at the November meeting.

An Tailliur (139) arguably came into the race with the best form, having finished second to Grade 1-winning mare Marie’s Rock at Kempton.

A return to a flat terrain will suit Jonjo O’Neill’s gelding as he lost ground running down the hill before staying on well to the line.

Having won at Haydock previously the three-mile hurdle on Betfair Chase day could present an ideal opportunity.

There was also plenty to like about the performance of Silver Sheen (128+) on first start for Fergal O’Brien, while Panic Attack (124+) moved with menace before finding the lack of a recent run taking its toll.