Trainer Dusty Sheehy is eyeing another rematch with Moscow Flyer with his Rathgar Beau after the 8yo gelding landed the featured Grade 2 Hilly Way Chase at a packed Cork yesterday.
However, Sheehy is under no illusions regarding Rathgar Beau's chances of beating Moscow Flyer in the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase over Christmas, reporting 'we'll go to Leopardstown for the but will probably have to settle for second to Moscow Flyer, although that wouldn't be a bad thing. Longterm, he'll be entered in the Queen Mother Chase at Cheltenham but his most likely target is the new 2m5f Chase at Cheltenham next March (Daily Telegraph Chase).' Cashmans make Rathgar Beau a 20/1 chance for that race.
Rathgar Beau, whose recent opponents have included Moscow Flyer, Beef Or Salmon and Kicking King, did not need much driving from Shay Barry when recording his seven length win over Central House. A big leap at the last highlighted the ease of his success with an impressed Sheehy later reporting 'he even surprised me today but he has matured a lot recently. Con Power has done a marvellous job schooling him and the horse has matured a lot.'
Earlier in the day, jockey Davy Russell recorded a double, winning the opening Paddy Power Maiden Hurdle with John Kiely's highly regarded three times bumper winner Blazing Liss. The winner made virtually all the running before easing to a length and a half success. The Co Waterford trainer later reported 'that run was much more like her bumper form and he jumping is improving all the time. We'll go for a winners' of one race now.'
Blazing Liss was introduced at 20/1 for the Supreme Novices Hurdle with Cashmans.
Russell completed a double in the next, when John Brassil's Too Much Chat landed a gamble (10/1 in places, 5/2 SP) when winning the OCW (Properties) Ltd. Novice Handicap Hurdle. The son of Minster Son chased the leaders before hitting the front at the third last flight, battling well for a half length win over Platinum Starlight.
Brassil later commented 'he had some leg trouble after finishing second at Clonmel in February but made an encouraging reappearance at Fairyhouse recently. He had been ballotted out around ten or twelve times and it has been very hard to find a race for him.'
The Grade 3 O'Connell Transport Cork Stayers Novice Hurdle was won impressively by Willie Mullins' front running Homer Wells, who received a fine ride from Davy Condon, despite jumping to the left throughout.
