Bonisland has plenty of potential

Bonisland impressed when running away with the maiden hurdle over two miles and six at Down Royal under Davy Russell.

The four-year-old looks another Gigginstown horse with plenty of potential. His form in the book was a win in a Roscommon bumper in mid October when he beat Thunder And Roses, who subsequently created quite a stir at Naas on Monday when he won a bumper by 11 lengths.

Bonisland travelled well in mid division today and Davy Russell got a lovely run up the inside rail going to two out. From there his charged forged clear and won easily by four and a half lengths at odds of 13/8. Romeo Is Bleeding (8/1) occupied second spot, a length in front of Yes Way Hosay the even money favourite.

Trainer Gordon Elliott said: “I’d say he is a nice horse. He’s still a baby and has a lot of filling out to do.

“He could be a proper horse if he stays right. He won’t run for a month to six weeks as he’s a big raw horse.”

Stan James were impressed by the performance and have installed Bonisland as 14/1 co fav, along with Champagne Fever, Don Cossack and Clondaw Kaempfer, for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.