Bercasa cruises to victory in Ballinrobe opener

Bercasa opened her account in great style when landing the BetVictor (Mares) Maiden Hurdle at Ballinrobe this afternoon.

Tom Mullins' charge was switching back to hurdling having been fifth on the level at Leopardstown nine days ago.

David Mullins tracked the leaders on the well backed 9/4 shot (5/1 in morning) before sending her to the front on the home bend.

The daughter of Casamento popped the last and only had to be shaken up briefly to record an easy 13-length success.

It was her second outing over timber having been third on her jumping debut at Navan late last month.

"She's a good filly - she's really stepped it up a lot since the break from last October," said Mullins.

"She ran great first time out in Navan and she took us by surprise then last week at Leopardstown.

"She took on Niall McCullagh then - she was too free.  He told us then to ride her differently."

(Quotes by Eamonn Murphy)