WILLIE Mullins expressed his disappointment at the defeat of Gaillard Du Mesnil at Naas on Thursday although the champion trainer still left the Co Kildare venue with a treble which included a notable performance on the clock by Hawai Game (130+).

The introduction of a new distance makes the task of allotting a time figure difficult but, when comparing with the other hurdle races on the card, the opening race is the fastest when removing the early exchanges.

Hawai Game (80.8) made all the running, looking more convincing the further he went, culminating in a closing sectional from the fourth last hurdle which was 2.7 seconds quicker than the next best posted by Routine Excellence (115) (83.5).

The fastest overall race time when adjusted for distance was recorded by Brandy Love (123) who closed off in 84.4 seconds.

A comparison with her stablemate shows the opening-race winner would have won a shortened race from the last with a circuit to run by seven lengths after being adrift before the closing sectional.

Daily Present (127) (81.1) and The Short Go (127+) (81.0) also finished to good effect and the effort of Chiricahua (116+) should also be noted as Paul

American Mike (138) brought the curtain down on last Saturday’s Navan card with another performance of powerful galloping despite not having to match his Down Royal performance on the clock.

A comparison to the hurdle races on the card pinpoints the opening race as the race to dissect as the winner Ardla (135+) (95.9) was faster by 0.5 seconds from the path going away from the stands even before jumping six hurdles is added to the equation.

To confirm the performance, a comparison with Au Fleuron (125) (95.4) shows Michael Halford’s six-year-old to be 16 lengths superior in a shortened race while posting a similar closing sectional.

Dubai Warrior (108), Lingfield, Saturday 18th December – added another Lingfield success to his CV for his new connections and looks set to be competitive in pattern company.

Brave Seasca (138+), Ascot, Friday 17th December – comfortable winner in a fast time who looks very progressive.

Deja Vue (130+), Exeter, Thursday 16th December – posted an impressive time given the small field and looks set for a good season. Probably best forcing the pace at around two miles.