Fun Fun Fun and Paul Townend© Photo Healy Racing
After deploying front-running tactics to great effect on boss Willie Mullins' Olympic Man in the opener at Naas, Paul Townend was at it again in race two. Nine to four second favourite Fun Fun Fun bred at Closutton as well, bolted up in the Grade Three Bar One Racing 'Guaranteed Overnight Prices' Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle.
Stable companion and odds-on market-leader Mirazur West travelled strong in behind the pace, but for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede Fun Fun Fun had plenty in the locker from two out.
The sole mare in the near two miler, scampered away from the last to put six and a half lengths between herself and Mahon's Way Aforementioned Mirazur West was two lengths back in third.
Stable representative and successful breeder Patrick Mullins said in the aftermath:- “That was super. The race suited her, a quick enough two miles, and she jumped great, a little bit keen.
“She'll go to Fairyhouse next, I don't know if two-and-a-half miles there will really suit her but it's mares novice Grade 1 so she'll go there.
“I can't wait for her to go chasing next year, her pedigree is all staying chasers. I think when she goes over fences she might be able to go out in trip.
“If she jumps as well she could be hard to catch in those mares chases next year.
“She wants to win and she just loves jumping. In her bumpers we were trying to hold her up but when she's so good to jump you're better off just letting her roll away and I think that's improved her.”
On Mirazur West he added:- “I didn't get to talk to Mark (Walsh, jockey) yet but it looked like he was just too keen. We were hoping the hood would help but it's back to the drawing board.
“He'll need to learn to race more efficiently.”
(GC & EM)
