Commander wins battle in opener Stamina won the day for the Gordon Elliott-trained Commander Of Fleet as he relished the step up in trip in the Grade 1 Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown. The Gigginstown gelding was making his first start since finishing last of four in the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse in early December. Jack Kennedy settled his mount in mid-division before producing the 13/2 shot to challenge at the final flight, which was the normal second last as the last was omitted due to low lying sun. The Fame And Glory gelding had a good tussle with Rhinestone down the straight, eventually winning the day by half a length in the two-mile-six contest. “It was great. We knew he was a nice horse but it was a big step on only his third run over hurdles and he was stepping right up in trip,” said Elliott. “He ran in the Royal Bond over two and we knew he wanted further. He's a nice horse and a horse for the future. “He won the Land Rover bumper but Jack said he's still very green. He was out in the middle of the track with no running rail. He was very green, ducking and diving. “It's nice to get one on the board early. “He could go for either the Ballymore or Albert Bartlett. It'll be two-five or three miles. “I wouldn't be surprised if I stepped him up to three miles to be honest. I'd say I will actually. “Softer ground wouldn't bother him either. He won a point-to-point and I'd say he'll be better on softer ground. “He's a horse that's improving all the time and he's a relentless galloper. There is a lot of improvement in him from today as he's still very green. “I told Jack to get into a nice rhythm and don't panic. It's as big a field as I can ever remember in a graded race in in Ireland. “I just told him to get into a rhythm wherever it is, if it's fourth or fifth or mid-division.” Kennedy added:- “There should be a bit more improvement in him. “He was very good today. He jumped and travelled great. When you get stuck into him he stays going.” Bookmakers reacted to the victory by slashing the winner's price for the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham. Boylesports are now 10/1 (from 20/1), Betfair also go 10/1 (from 20/1) and Paddypower are 9/1 (from 20/1). He is quoted at 14/1 for the Ballymore by Boylesports (from 20/1) while Betfair go 12/1 (from 16/1).
