Prairie lands her hat-trick back over timber

Prairie Angel kept her winning run going, back over timber, when claiming the opening three-year-old hurdle at Down Royal this afternoon.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained filly had won on her jumping debut at Ballinrobe in August and added two Flat wins to her CV last month.

She went to post 11/10 favourite under Danny Mullins today and jumped out to make the running in the two-mile winners contest. Lakota Blue jumped up to join her at the fourth flight but she came under pressure after the third last as Prairie Angel edged ahead.

The Territories filly was in control from there after, as things got messy in behind with Janes Harbour blocked in her run up the rail.

Prairie Angel galloped on strongly from the last to record a convincing three-and-a-quarter length win over Slurricane

Mullins said: "The longer it takes him (JJ Slevin) to recover to his optimum the better, I wouldn't want to see him rushing back when I'm getting these kind of rides!

"It is unfortunate, I've been on that side of the fence before and I'm just lucky that Joseph has plenty of these types that are going to pick up a lot of these races, and it was nice to get the ride.

"I was hopeful, but the Gigginstown horse (Lakota Blue) could have been anything. It looked a fine horse even walking around the start beside us, but they probably took a blow today and our sharpness and race fitness and jumping experience had the edge.

"This one is going the right way - probably still a fraction raw today. She is going to improve as a hurdler again.

"I think she could (step up to Graded level). With all the juveniles, they have to keep stepping up each step of the ladder but she is going the right way. The little bit of rawness she showed there today leaves more improvement in her."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)