Gowran Report
Arctic Copper looks one to follow over fences this season judged on an impressive victory at Gowran Park on Saturday in the Langtons House Stars Of Tomorrow Beginners Chase.
The Noel Meade-trained gelding faced stiff opposition from fellow chasing newcomer Sackville, who was understandably installed an odds-on favourite after showing smart form in staying novice hurdles last term. Arctic Copper jumped superbly in the hands of Ruby Walsh, and got the better of the market leader in the straight to score by eight lengths - the pair pulling a distance clear of the remainder.
'Every fence was worth a length to him, although he is cut behind and may need a few stitches,' said Meade afterwards, who will aim the six-year-old at the Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse in early December.
Dolydille was unable to take her place in the featured Denny Cordell Lavarack Memorial EBF Fillies Stakes due to a stone bruise but Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning still landed the Listed event with Abikan.
The daughter of Erins Isle was sent on early in the straight, and kept on under pressure to beat Bibi Karam by one and a half lengths, with Fantasia Girl the same distance back in third. An enquiry was called into possible interference between the two principals inside the final furlong but the placings remained unaltered.
Manning was completing a 76/1 double having earlier taken the Kytelers Inn Handicap aboard Sparkling Harmony, leading a furlong out before holding the staying on Willyever by a neck.
The Charlie Swan-ridden Liss A Paoraigh justified prohibitive odds in division one of the Concrete Pumping Ltd Maiden Hurdle, heading Decisive Action after the penultimate flight to score by five lengths. 'It was a messy sort of race as they didn't go a great pace,' said trainer John Kiely, who added: 'She will go for a novice next, and should stay up to three miles.'
