Another stylish leap from Ball D'Arc under Bryan Cooper© Photo Healy Racing
After a reverse in the opener when 4/11 chance Broken Soul could only manage third place, Gigginstown House Stud, Gordon Elliott and Bryan Cooper got back on track when Ball D'Arc did the business in the Grade 3 Flyingbolt Novice Chase at Navan.
It certainly hadn't been all bad beforehand for Elliott, as two of his four-year-olds had already impressed in point-to-points at Cragmore and Tinahely.
Aboard Ball D'Arc, Bryan Cooper put it to the front-running odds-on favourite Ballyoisin at the third last fence. Ballyoisin and Barry Geraghty crashed out at this point.
We were down to three in this two mile one furlong event, as Identity Thief had to miss his engagement as he was lame.
The other participant, Tully East never really threatened to land a blow from the rear and he chased home Ball D'Arc at a distance of nineteen lengths.
"He's a grand horse and the conditions suited him," said Elliott.
"You don't know what would have happened if Barry had stood up but we got the luck of the draw.
"Bryan said he was travelling but for me they were travelling as well as each other.
"We might look at the Ryanair in Fairyhouse for him. Over two miles he definitely needs that ground but I'd say he might be alright on a bit better ground over two-and-a-half."
Non-runner, no bet, Paddy Power go 20/1 unchanged about Ball D'Arc for the JLT and 25/1 from 50/1 for the Racing Post Arkle.
(GC & EM)
