A real possibility for the Tote Gold Trophy in the week leading up to it, Francis Flood's decision to stay at home and head for Gowran paid dividends as Georges Girl justified favouritism in the feature.
Hardy Eustace endeavoured to make all in the Grade 2 Red Mills Trial Hurdle and indeed the second market choice appeared to have Georges Girl in trouble coming away from penultimate flight.
However the mare is well recognised for her turn of pace, and under her regular partner, Francis, son and namesake of the trainer, she quickened in good fashion to prevail by a short head at the finish.
Flood senior commented 'going for the County Hurdle would probably be unwise because of the weight she'd have and the pace they'd go so we'll find another conditions race for her now.'
There were striking similarities surrounding the win of Rathgar Beau who took the other main event of the session, the Grade 3 Red Mills Chase. He also has that same contest in the Cotswolds next month as his target and in similar circumstances to the winner of the feature, this fellow showed a real good turn of pace.
Stepping up in trip for this two and a half mile event, Eamonn Sheehy's charge travelled sweetly on the bridle until the final fence, and once given the office on the run in quickened well to master Barrow Drive.
Sheehy said in the aftermath 'if he stayed I thought he'd win and I'm delighted, as he really deserved this after some consistent efforts. With a rating of 122 over hurdles he'll go for the County Hurdle.'
Willie Mullins was in treble form, landing both sections of the juvenile maiden hurdle. Silk Screen completed the brace in division two and remains a 33/1 chance with Cashmans for the Triumph Hurdle.
Rallying gamely under David Casey to defeat Leonardo De Vinci by the minimum margin, the son of Barathea prompted his trainer to comment, 'he's had training problems since his last run but there is fair improvement in him and hopefully now we'll have a clear run until March.'
Punters favoured Diego Garcia (7/4 to 11/8 favourite) of the Mullins pair in the opener but they got it wrong as 7/1 stable companion, Raikkonen proved a length superior to the market leader.
The winning handler remarked 'Davy (Russell) gave him plenty of daylight at his hurdles and he jumped better. They are both improving and I'd say they'll continue to do so.
Elsewhere, Homer Scott and Ken Whelan took the beginners chase in most convincing style with John James, whilst John O'Sullivan rode his first official winner aboard Bodakker in the handicap hurdle.
Monty's Pass pleased his trainer Jimmy Mangan despite finishing last here. He said 'the horse couldn't handle the ground as it is like a glue-pot but Garrett (Cotter) said he showed plenty of life.'
A highly impressive debut performance by the Willie Mullins-trained Knocknabooly strengthened the Irish stranglehold on the Cheltenham bumper betting, Powers introducing him as a 12/1 chance.
