Rogue Angel and Davy Russell came home in style at Punchestown© Photo Healy Racing
Anyone that saw Rogue Angel benefit from Indevan’s last fence fall in a four-year-old Askeaton point-to-point in February 2012 would have been aware that the Mrs Dick Lalor-bred son of Presenting has a liking for testing conditions. Now of course under Mouse Morris’ care the 7/1 shot impressed in first-time blinkers in the opening Buy Your Annual Membership Beginners Chase at Punchestown.
Morris has been sticking the 'blinds' on with a real degree of success lately – Baily Dusk (25/1 at Clonmel on October 31st) and Tinakellylad (33/1 at Punchestown on November 16th) – and the head-gear certainly did the Davy Russell-ridden Rogue Angel no harm as he produced some fantastic leaps from the front in the three miler.
The favourite Touch The Eden couldn't reel in Rogue Angel in the straight and eleven lengths separated them at the line. You Must Know Me contesting this event for the second year in succession, didn't come up to expectations, ending up a well-beaten fourth placer.
"He jumps and obviously loves the ground. Blinkers were a big help and we'll find a winners of one. We may go for the four mile race at Cheltenham," said Morris of Gigginstown House Stud's Rogue Angel.
The fancied Marlbrook came to grief as early as the second fence.
R.C. Colgan, rider of Lottodo trained by Ms Claire O'Connell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was found to be lame behind when pulled up in running.
(AM & EM)
