Review naas 10th Feb

< Benie Des Dieux had to pull out all the stops to make it three from three since joining Willie Mullins in the BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Mares Chase at Naas.

The even-money favourite had stablemate Asthuria for company at the head of affairs, with Dinaria Des Obeaux hot on their heels.

The Mullins mares saw off their Gordon Elliott-trained rival halfway down the straight and after appearing to be moving much more powerfully than Asthuria at the last, David Mullins really had to ask Benie Des Dieux for her to prevail by two and a half lengths.

Odds-on favourite Pete So High looked all over the winner when challenging Mastermind for the lead as the Naas RFC Supported By Profile Systems Rated Novice Hurdle reached its conclusion.

However, he appeared to run around a bit, whereas Charles O'Brien's Mastermind (5-1) really stuck his neck out for Robbie Power and scored by three lengths.< Wishmoor showed tremendous resolution to claim top honours in the Friends Of Naas RFC Handicap Chase.

Having cut out the running, the 11-4 favourite appeared beaten when passed by Close Shave after the final obstacle, but Rachael Blackmore threw everything at him and Mouse Morris' charge got back up by three-quarters of a length.< Best Behavior did all that was expected of him as the 10-11 favourite in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle.

Mark Walsh raced in second for much of the contest until going for home two out, and he had a willing partner who passed the post with four and a half lengths in hand of Itscatrionaschoice < Cartwright went into a few notebooks when second on Gowran's Thyestes Chase card, and he had no trouble going one better in the Paddy Hackett Memorial Maiden Hurdle at odds of 7-4.

Teenager Archie Meade (25-1) proved he retains some zest for the game when landing the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle, while Balliniska Band justified 11-8 favouritism in the Bank Of Ireland Kildare Supporting Naas RFC (Pro/Am) Flat Race.