The Willie Mullins trained Mozoltov enhanced his Cheltenham prospects with a gutsy and classy performance to win the Grade 2 Racing UK Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown today, defeating well touted Don Cossack and Ned Buntline

Ridden by Ruby Walsh, the son of Kayf Tara led from two out and, along with Don Cossack, soon had Ned Buntline shaken off back in third. Before the final flight Don Cossack led narrowly but Mozoltov battled well to regain the lead on the run-in for a length win.

Afterwards Mullins stated “Mozoltov has been doing good work at home and I've been waiting for a nice race to get him out instead of taking on one of our own. I didn't think he'd be taking on as good a bunch as these and he has to go into 'the top drawer'.

“I'd imagine we're looking for the Supreme Novices hurdle with him and he can only be better on better ground and Ruby said he wasn't at home on that ground today.”

Paddy Power later cut Mozoltov to 16/1 (from 20s) for the Supreme Novices Hurdle while Boylesports go 16/1, from 33s and Stan James go 20/1 (from 33s).

A quick Google search reveals the word Mozoltov is actually a misspelling of 'Mazel Tov', used by Jews when making a congratulatory toast and is used in the Black Eyed Peas' song “I Gotta Feelin'” (Lyrics - “'fill up my cup, drink, Mozoltov”).

Quotes from Alan Magee