Moscow Flyer's bid to retain the Champion Chase may be the main focus of attention for Jessica Harrington on the third week in March, but the Moone handler has another reason to look forward.
After saddling Hume Castle to run out a game length winner of the featured Mick Holly Memorial Chase at Leopardstown today, Harrington outlined plans for the Robbie Power-ridden 10/1 shot.
She said 'that was a good warm up for the Midlands National (Uttoxeter on March 20) which is the plan as he stays well and really jumped from fence to fence today.'
Those looking at the event hoping to find clues for the English National will have derived considerable encouragement from Timbera's staying on fifth, Jim Culloty's mount beaten a shade over 7L.
For supporters of another Aintree contender, Macs Gildoran, this was a non-event as Willie Mullins' gelding was brought down at the first. The Bunny Boiler again failed to spark, finishing last.
Elsewhere on the card, several well-backed winners justified the market confidence. Tiger Cry found 1/2 from 8/11 and made all for a convincing win in the maiden hurdle under David Casey.
Harchibald (100/30 fav) had been on offer at double those odds in the morning and those who backed Noel Meade's runner were rewarded as Paul Carberry's mount came home an easy 5L victor.
Nopekan (3s this morning), returned 7/4 fav, deservedly opened his account over flights, receiving a typically brilliant ride from jockey in form, Ruby Walsh to take the Ballsbridge Hurdle by a length.
The defection of Yeoman's Point left the way clear for Hi Cloy to land the novice chase under Timmy Murphy who was registering a brace following an opening race win aboard Point Barrow.
Michael Hourigan quickly doubled his tally as the bookmakers got a result in the bumper, 14/1 chance Only Vintage beating a host of better fancied rivals to make it third time lucky after an eyecatching Thurles run last time.
