Review NAAS 11TH MAR

The decision to bypass Cheltenham with Masony paid off on Sunday as he claimed the Naas Chase with the minimum of fuss.

Davy Russell didn't have to exert himself on the gelding after hitting the lead six out and cruising to a 12-length verdict over the staying on Garvivonnian.

'That was his Cheltenham,' said trainer Arthur Moore. 'He's a lovely horse and it was a lovely race for him. He did it nicely.

'We were tempted but it looked like he would be top weight in the Grand Annual and it would have been a big ask. He will take in Fairyhouse and Punchestown now.'

Offshore Account made most of his stamina when running out a game winner of the Kilcock Novice Chase.

The Oscar gelding, a half-brother to Gold Cup contender The Listener, was always in the front rank and gained a definite advantage six out. He stayed on strongly in the closing stages to hold the challenge of Preists Leap by a length-and-a-half.

'He's a tough old horse and loves jumping,' said trainer Charlie Swan. 'This is a good front-runners track and has won over three miles so that was the right thing to do in the ground.'

Heron's Flight stayed on strongly in the closing stages to claim the William Malone Novice Hurdle in good style.

Denis O'Regan had sent his mount to the front three out but he looked in danger as 6/4f Heavenly Blues loomed large.

Noel Meade's charge shook off that challenger on the run-in, however, and long-time leader Earth Magic stayed on again to get up for second.

Heavy rain turned the Lakelands Maiden Hurdle turned into a war of attrition and Rock Diplomat showed reserves of stamina to run out an 18-length winner.

Joey Elliott's mount turned into the straight upsides Judge Deed but proved too strong down the straight for that rival, pulling right away after the second last.

'We were disappointed with him at Fairyhouse when he didn't seem to perform on the course. That was why we came back here as he has run well twice at this track,' said trainer Michael Cunningham.

Tony Martin was full of praise for Robbie Colgan after he delivered Farmer Grant with a late run to grab The Flying Dustman close home in the Moate Handicap Chase.

'He jumped well and did anything right. Robbie gave him a lovely ride and is some value for his 3lb claim,' said Martin.

Wheresben and Camden Tanner fought out a pulsating duel in the Nolan & Brophy Handicap Hurdle with the former prevailing by a neck. Amateur James Fahey was partnering the gelding to success for the sixth time.

'He'll probably go to Cork next month but if it dries up he could go out. He should make a nice chaser next season,' said trainer Seamus Fahey.

James Gough is another looking forward to a chasing career with Impartial, who stayed on strongly to lead after the last in the opening Kilcullen Handicap Hurdle.