Some Man shines on better ground

The David Christie-trained Some Man produced a fine front-running performance to run out an easy winner of the hunters chase at Down Royal.

The 9/4 shot bounced out in front in the two-mile-three contest and had his rivals at work from the third last fence.

He scooted clear of nearest pursuer Complete Sizing (11/8f) before the penultimate fence and was big and bold at the last as he went on to record a cosy 12 length success under Barry O'Neill.

The winner had been sixth behind Jury Duty on his most recent outing in testing conditions at Thurles last month.

Christie said: "All the time we have had him we have never got him running on the ground he loves.

"He's a very good horse but at anything from two miles to two-miles-six he is just different gravy to everything else.

"I'll chat it over with Ray (Nicholas) - I'd nearly love to have a go at Aintree this year with him. We have to consider it. It warrants him getting an entry.

"Barry got off him and said 'I really enjoyed that, that has given me some buzz!'

"He ran in Thurles there and ran a helluva race over just far enough for him, but the ground was desperate for him as he is just such a sweet mover. He hates going through glue.

"We were just waiting and hoping he would get a chance to run on the ground he loves.

"He has such a cruising speed and takes quite a hold. I think if you let him roll on nice ground, he shows what he is.

"I always felt the championship races over three mile one are just too far for him. He has too much class and speed for that.

"Two and a half miles is his ideal trip."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)