Blizzard Of Oz blasts back to winning form

Blizzard Of Oz emphatically overturned Naas form to land the opening two mile auction novice hurdle in Leopardstown. Captain Cody (second), Backtonormal (third) and Blizzard Of Oz (fifth) all ran over an extended 2m3f at Naas in February and clashed again over the minimum trip here.

Backtonormal set out to make all, but had Purse Price and Blizzard Of Oz in close attendance two out.

Purse Price was first to come under pressure approaching the straight as Blizzard Of Oz continued his progress to challenge the leader.

Danny Mullins nudged him into the lead approaching the last and drove him home in the closing stages.

The winner prevailed by two and a quarter lengths from Purse Price (33/1) who rallied to get up for second by a neck from Backtonormal.

Willie Mullins said: “I think the shorter trip was a benefit and he jumped better than he did in Naas.

“The ground might not be riding as heavy as people anticipated when I see (stablemate) Captain Cody being tapped for toe and that fella going easily at the second last.

“Captain Cody probably wants a longer trip.

“I’d imagine both horses will be aimed for the final in Punchestown and they will probably have a run before that.”

This was Blizzard Of Oz's third career success having taken a bumper in Cork and a maiden hurdle at Punchestown.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee