Moscow Mannon and Davy Russell© Photo Healy Racing
Henry de Bromhead recorded the second leg of what proved to be a treble at Naas as Moscow Mannon took advantage of a 9lb concession from Felix Yonger to land the Grade 3 Poplar Square Chase.
The Co. Waterford handler was successful elsewhere on the card with Sizing John in the maiden hurdle and Sizing Granite in the beginners chase (both ridden by Jonathan Burke).
Davy Russell’s mount took over at the second last where his chief market rival, Felix Yonger, made a slight mistake.
The 1/2 favourite gave his rivals a glimmer of hope when awkward at the last but he soon asserted to beat Felix Yonger by nearly five lengths, with Mount Colah taking third.
De Bromhead said, “He was pretty fresh and Davy said he was a little keen early.
“He jumped well apart from a couple of little mistakes and Davy felt going on in a better race he would be better again. The couple of times he did ask him he was brilliant.
“It's lovely to get that out of the way. We could look at Leopardstown at Christmas over 2m1f or there is the Hilly Way or England. Today was about getting him rolling and we'll see from here.
“The owner is keen to step him up and I'd say we will in time.
“No horse at home is fast enough to work with him, he has so many gears. He has a bit of a freaky pedigree as he's out of a Mind Games mare. He has a lot of pace. At Punchestown though it looked like all he did was stay."
(GC & AM)
