Review NAAS 9th Mar

The Cheltenham credentials of River Liane were given a healthy boost when

Made In Taipan cruised home in the Irish Racing Writers Novice Hurdle at

Naas.

The 5-2 favourite was put firmly in his place by Tom Cooper's Fred Winter

fancy last week, but faced nothing of that calibre in this event and was

always travelling well within himself at the head of affairs.

Davy Russell let out an inch of rein approaching the second-last and

although he flattened the obstacle, Made In Taipan lost no momentum and he

hardly broke sweat in beating Powerfulpaddy by 15 lengths.

Cooper proved his team are in rude health ahead of the Festival when Royal

Spring (9-2) claimed the Moate Handicap Chase.

'Slippers' Madden went in pursuit of leader Conem approaching the turn for

home and he struck the front two fences from the finish. He appeared to idle

in front, but victory never looked in doubt and he crossed the line with

four lengths in hand of market leader View Mount Prince.

The most valuable race on the card was the Johnstown Handicap Hurdle and

went the way of Grand National hopeful King Johns Castle.

The 100-30 favourite shot had strung together a frustrating sequence of

second-placings over the bigger obstacles and again looked booked for a

place at best when seemingly tapped for toe straightening up.

But, favourably treated compared to his chasing mark, he hit top gear after

the last to beat Gabrona by four lengths, giving Davy Russell a double.

Wheresben (9-2) broke his fencing duck with an emphatic success in the

Kilcock Novice Chase.

Seamus Fahey's nine-year-old had been running well with little reward over

both hurdles and fences, but claimed the scalp of Freds Benefit with a

24-length verdict. Kilcrea Castle was made favourite after chasing home

Pomme Tiepy the last twice, but never threatened to land a serious blow.

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