Colonel Braxton is 5/1 joint favourite with Japhet for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase with Cashmans after justifying odds-on support in the Anglo Irish Bank Nas Na Riogh Novice Chase at Naas today. The Buckskin gelding headed the front-running Copernicus in the straight and, after Youlneverwalkalone looked a big threat at the final fence, was driven out by Norman Williamson to score by two-and-a-half lengths. Trainer Dessie Hughes admitted afterwards: "He stays well, and needed to have guts to win. He would like the ground a bit better than that, and I'm not worried about his lack of experience as he jumps really well."
Williamson completed a double on the day in Grade 3 events when Tuco just prevailed in the Woodlands Park 100 Johnstown Novice Hurdle. David Wachman's charge just held off Woody's Blue Lagoon after a titanic tussle from the final hurdle, and will be aimed at the Fairyhouse and Punchestown Festivals. The two fences after the stands were omitted in the novice chase due to the very testing ground conditions and, as the rain continued to fall, the first in the back straight was also left out of the Paddy & Helen Cox Memorial Newlands Chase.
Knife Edge completed a four-timer this season in this two mile event, although Tom Rudd needed to push the seven-year-old all the way on the run-in to hold off the chasing pack. Over The Furze stayed on best of the pursuing group to get within half a length, with Arctic Copper just a head further back in third. Trainer Michael O'Brien revealed: "You can't judge a horse on that ground. I knew he was very well, but he needs a lead and the Champion Chase could be run to suit him."
Pizarro will head for the Cheltenham Festival bumper after rallying strongly inside the final furlong to beat Colonel Rayburn by one-and-a-half lengths. Oliver Brady could be doubly represented at the up coming Cheltenham Festival with Ansari and Balapour, who needs good ground in the Triumph Hurdle. The Monaghan handler is hoping Ansari will get a run in the County Hurdle after leading before the last under Joey Elliott to beat Spirit Of Park by three lengths in the two mile handicap hurdle.
Ger Lyons was also outlining Cheltenham plans for his novice chaser Big-And-Bold after Mighty Mist just held on by a shorthead under Robert Power in the four-year-old maiden hurdle. "Big-And-Bold will go for the Arkle, while Mighty Mist could be sold to Len Lungo's yard as there are a lot more opportunities for him in the North of England," said Lyons.
Jeremy Maxwell described Lancero as "a nice chasing prospect for the furture" after the five-year-old gained a deserved win in the hands of Gary Hutchinson in the three mile handicap hurdle.
Filed by Shane Murray
