Adamant Approach put in a scintillating round of jumping under Ruby Walsh to open his account over fences in the 2m beginners chase. Willie Mullins' charge made virtually all and, with favourite Soltero falling at the fifth, stayed on strongly to beat Native Jack by 15L.
'The ground was not as bad as we thought it was going to be, and he really enjoyed himself. I had not really thought any further than today as the horses have not been firing,' said Mullins. He added, 'I suppose the Arkle at Leopardstown is a likely race for him,' while Cashmans reacted by slashing his price for Cheltenham's Arkle Trophy from 20/1 to 12/1.
Paul Carberry dominated the remainder of the card with a near 33/1 treble aboard The Guy, Fanion De Neulliac and Dee-One-O-One. The Guy justified odds-on support on his jumping debut in the 2m maiden hurdle, with Carberry waiting until the final flight before sending the Michael O'Brien-trained gelding past Be Quiet to score by 3/4L.
'He is a nice young horse but still very weak, and we will keep him low-key this season. He may go for a winners race at Navan in a few weeks time, and he just needs time to strengthen up,' said O'Brien. O'Brien also spoke about useful chaser Knife Edge, who filled the runner-up spot behind Moscow Flyer at Leopardstown last weekend. 'I had hoped to give him a school at Fairyhouse before Christmas, and he was just not quite fit enough at Leopardstown although I was pleased the way he jumped.'
Fanion De Neulliac stayed on best on the run-in to beat Killultagh Thunder by 4L in the novice handicap chase, while Dee-One-O-One was produced at the last to take the 2m handicap chase.
Filed by James McMahon
