The result at Lansdowne Road was not the only disappointment for racegoers at the southern venue following a string of surprise winners including Native Jack in the featured FBD Insurance Handicap Chase.
The Arthur Moore-trained gelding was sent off a 14/1 chance in this three miles, and made gradual progress under Danny Howard to lead at the last for a three quarters of a length verdict over The Dell. 'He's a bit of a moody character but, when things go right, he's a fair horse. He'll go now for the McEvoy Auctioneers Novice Handicap Chase, formerly the David Austin, at Punchestown,' said Moore.
Helen Keohane partnered her 15th winner, and second of the current campaign, when Book Binder showed good pace throughout in the six furlongs maiden. Mark Roper's charge was drawn on the far side, leading two furlongs out and holding off Golden Basket by a length.
'That was not totally unexpected, and he did a nice bit of work on the Curragh last Tuesday. He's always showed a nice bit of pace, and should make a good sprint handicapper,' said Roper.
Kevin Prendergast has his string in good form, and the Curragh handler added to his tally when Blue Banner took the juvenile maiden in fine style. Devil Moon was all the rage to maintain Aidan O'Brien's early season dominance, but Declan McDonogh's mount proved far too strong inside the final furlong to out-point the 1/3 favourite by two lengths.
'We didn't think that she was wound up enough today as she's only done one piece of fast work. She will be different class over six to seven furlongs,' said Lady O'Reilly's racing manager James Kelly.
Adamant Approach, an early faller in the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham, gave favourite backers some respite when easily landing the novice chase. The Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse is next on the agenda, and a possible match up against Beef Or Salmon.
Michael Bates recorded his third win in the saddle when Stashedaway stretched clear before the final flight to beat King's Opera by six lengths in the Powers Gold Label Championship Handicap Hurdle. 'She probably appreciated the better ground, and will go chasing next season,' said Michael O'Brien's assistant Denis Cullen.
Alan Magee
