Last Instalment & Davy Russell about to jump a fence on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Last Instalment stretched his unbeaten record over fences to four in the Grade 1 Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase as he kept on best to score for his trainer Philip Fenton with Davy Russell aboard at the odds of 8/11.
Having impressively won the Grade 1 Fort Leney Novice Chase over three miles here at the Christmas Festival, the son of Anshan made all today to make it four wins in-a-row.
As the turned into the straight the winner was under pressure with Call The Police under Paul Townend his biggest danger.
However the Gigginstown House Stud winning gelding is a tough cookie and he pulled out more on the run-in going on to score by a length and a half.
Call The Police plugged on for second at 7/1 while Lambro was a further length and three parts back in third under Ruby Walsh at 5/2.
The only other runner Shot From The Hip finished eight and a half lengths back in last under Tony McCoy at the odds of 8/1
Winning trainer Philip Fenton said afterwards: "Wasn't that a pleasure to watch.
"My biggest concern was leaving the back straight when they were stacking up behind him.
"I was just afraid the horses that were quicker than him over hurdles would come and do him but he answered every call which is a sign of a good horse.
"I thought he might need to stretch them but Davy (Russell) was in full control. He might have put it to bed had he jumped the second last quick but when Davy set him alight he got a response.
"He will go for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham now where he will probably have to face First Lieutenant again.
"Davy will have a dilemma as to who he will ride but we have a capable substitute in Brian O'Connell.
"He is fairly adaptable and Cheltenham shouldn't be a problem for him. The last thing I wanted today was a grueller before Cheltenham and he set a sensible pace.
"That ground was as quick as he would want it and I would love to see lots of rain before Cheltenham. He is a big top heavy horse and might not be able to run if it turned up quick with the Power Gold Cup at Fairyhouse being his plan B.
"He seems to have it all."
Paddy Powers now go 6/1 from 7's about the winner for the RSA Chase while Ladbrokes remain unchanged at 8/1. Sean Graham's were impressed by his performance and have shortened him from 8/1 into 6/1.
