Limestone Lad (2/7f) returned to winning ways when making virtually all under Shane McGovern to defeat Dorans Pride by 8L.
'He'll
be aimed at the Stayers at Cheltenham but no way will he go there if the ground is better than good,' said Michael Bowe, son of per
mit holder James.
Michael Hourigan reported on the runner-up, who joined the leader briefly over the 2nd last, 'very pleased - if
he's o.k. in the morning he'll run in the Hennessy next Sunday.'
Paul Carberry, late on arrival at the Kildare venue, missed out
the winning ride aboard Sausalito Bay (2/1-15/8f) which made all under Jason Titley in the Irish Racing Writers Hurdle.
'He's as
tough as nails and he'll go for the Supreme Novice Hurdle. I may run him again at Punchestown as more experience wouldn't do him an
y harm,' said Noel Meade.
Carberry, successful later on Cheltenham NH Chase-bound Fandango De Chassy (7/4f), reported that he had
put petrol into his diesel car by mistake, resulting in his delay.
Tommy Treacy initiated a double on odds-on shot Saxophone (2/
5-1/3f) but supporters had an anxious moment or two before he battled back to head Time For A Win after the last.
'He has done a
lot of schooling but never in front - that's all I can attribute that performance to. He'll run again at Leopardstown next Sunday,'
said Jim Dreaper.
Treacy completed his brace on top-weight Gentle Mossy who deservedly scored in bold front-running fashion for i
n-form handler Paul Nolan in the 2m3f handicap hurdle.
Clonmel hotelier Jack Nallen revealed he had #10,000 at 5/1 after his son
John saddled Clonmel's Minella (5/1-6/1) to romp home in the 2m maiden hurdle under Charlie Swan.
Off the track since winning a
Listowel bumper in April 1998, the Strong Gale gelding forged away approaching the last to slam Hot Stuff by 7l.
Favourite backer
s got it right for the 5th time during the session when Ballyamber (5/2-7/4f) made all under James Nash for a 15l win in the finale.
'I think we'll give the Cheltenham bumper a shot if the owners are keen,' said Willie Mullins.
BF
