Roi beats Pont in Woodlands 1-2 for Mullins

Willie Mullins completed a Graded race double at Naas as Roi Des Francs got the better of an exciting tussle with stable-companion Pont Alexandre in the Woodlands Park 100 Club Novice Chase.

Pont Alexandre was sent off the 4/7 favourite in this three-runner Grade 2, with Bonny Kate (off feed) an absentee, but Roi Des Francs certainly didn’t go unbacked at 13/8.

The pair took over from Sub Lieutenant at the second last and were neck and neck when Pont Alexandre was a bit awkward at the last.

That gave Roi Des Francs a slight edge, and he kept on well under pressure on the run-in for Bryan Cooper to prevail by a length and a half.

Mullins said, "It was a good performance (by Roi Des Francs). He had the extra run and probably fitness was the thing there.

"He likes jumping and galloping and it worked out for him. He's improving. He'll be stuck in all the races at Cheltenham, the RSA and four-miler."

Mullins added, "It was Pont Alexandre's second run back after a long break. He was very well in the parade ring beforehand which is not a great sign. He was maybe too well.

"He was there up until the last having gone toe to toe with the leader early on. It wasn't a bad run and they are two good horses. I think he'll improve more for the run."

Paddy Power cut the winner into 5/1 (from 10/1) for the four-mile National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, while Boylesports make him 6/1 joint favourite (along with Warwick winner Black Hercules). Betfair go 8/1 (from 10/1).

Boylesports go just 12/1 (from 20/1) about Roi Des Francs for the RSA Chase, with Betfair unchanged at 16/1 and Paddy Power 20/1 (from 33/1).

Mullins was earlier on the mark with Sempre Medici in the Grade 3 Limestone Lad Hurdle.

(GC & AM)