THE Footpad-Min one-on-one comparison from Leopardstown last Saturday is illuminating, and so too are those involving Supasundae, Off You Go and Blackbow on Saturday and Mr Adjudicator, Samcro and Relegate on Sunday, all races (whether hurdle or bumper) over two miles.

The bumper winner Blackbow proved to be fastest of the trio on the opening day, though that becomes slowest once the effect of the absence of obstacles is allowed for. Nonetheless, this looks a real standout time for a bumper, with Minella Encore overdoing things somewhat up front and weakening into fourth.