Freedom Steps closer To the top

Steps To Freedom dispelled any doubts about his inexperience or the suitability of the going with a convincing success on outing number two over hurdles in the Grade 3 Ryan's Cleaning Events Specialists Hurdle at Punchestown. Robbie Power did the steering on the Jessica Harrington-trained five-year-old.

Receiving weight all round, the successful Statue Of Liberty gelding could have seen his chance ruined by a mistake two out but he was quickly back on an even keel and he went into overdrive to launch his challenge from before the last.

A powerful sort, Steps To Freedom edged across the more diminutive Sailors Warn on the run-in which necessitated a steward's enquiry. There was never any chance of a change to the judge's placings which saw a length and a quarter separating the principals at the line. The very easy to back Jack Cool was seven and a half lengths back in third.

Mrs Harrington said: "He made a mistake two out which would have stopped most horses. Robbie said he then just panicked a bit and actually got there too soon.

"He went on that ground super – it was no problem to him at all. Even against those horses he's some jumper and you'd excuse him that bit of a fumble two out.

"The Royal Bond is on the cards now although Down Royal could be an option too. As it stands though Oscars Well will go there unless the ground is too quick.

"Oscars Well is still relatively inexperienced over hurdles and I'd like to give him a chance at that game again this season. He'll have the option of going chasing later on anyway."

Meanwhile the Moone handler sends Bible Belt over for the Group 2 Quipco British Champions Fillies' And Mares' Stakes at Ascot on Saturday and she remarked: "It was very tacky ground in the Curragh last time and she didn't go on it."