3 from 3 for Benie since joining Mullins After a second placing in the Betfair Hurdle over at Newbury with Bleu Et Rouge, Willie Mullins saddled a 1-2 in the Listed BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Mares Chase at Naas. Benie Des Dieux (David Mullins) led home Asthuria (Robbie Power). In this two miler Benie Des Dieux tracked the leaders early and she took a keen hold. The daughter of Great Pretender improved to dispute the lead at the third and she was headed at the sixth. She made progress to lead after four out, and the even money favourite was joined travelling well two out. Ridden at the last Benie Des Dieux led inside the final furlong, staying on well close home for a two and a half length verdict. There was three lengths then to Dinaria Des Obeaux in third. "She travelled nearly a bit too well but she's so quick over a fence. She was a bit keen there on the soft ground but it was just her class coming through. I was making ground everywhere and I couldn't really get her to come back," said David Mullins. "She's a pleasure to ride and so easy to have anything to do with. She's so quick over a fence that she could do anything. She could come back jumping hurdles as she nearly jumps her fences like a hurdle." (AM & EM)
