Rain impresses in Naas Grade 2 Echoes In Rain quickened up in fine style to run out an easy winner Paddy Power Grade 2 Novice Hurdle at Naas this afternoon. The daughter of Authorized had been very free when fourth at Punchestown on her last start but Paul Townend managed to get her anchored behind front-runner Razzle Dazzle Love today. She tracked the leader throughout before going to the front approaching the second last in the race, run over just shy of two miles. Despite screwing that flight slightly the 11/8 favourite was soon in control and didn't need to engage top gear in the closing stages as she cruised to an eight length success. Belfast Banter stayed on to take the runner-up spot ahead of Desir Du Large, who ran well on his return from a long absence. The winner was adding to her maiden hurdle victory here in December and Mullins commented:- “She’s learning and at least she got a full round of jumping in there, not like the last day here when it was nearly a Flat race (with the hurdles not jumped in the straight due to the low lying sun). “She’s learning how to settle and there was a good pace which helped her. There is a race here in a fortnight that might be a little too soon for her and there is also a novice in Fairyhouse at Easter. “She had a tough enough race there because she is tough on herself. Maybe the experience over hurdles is teaching her to race and it might do her no harm experience wise for the future.   “She has a lovely turn of foot and if we could teach her to settle better and use that she could make a very smart two miler. A faster pace over better ground would help her. She’s going the right way.” (Quotes by Alan Magee)
