Chicago makes all in grand style

Chicago routed his 15 rivals in the two mile maiden hurdle at Limerick as he made all and came home well clear.

Patrick Mangan sent him into a clear lead from flagfall and nothing else got into the race as he hosed up by 11 lengths at 9/2. Blow The Doors Off was well backed this morning from 5/1 to 5/2 joint favourite. He pipped the other 5/2 joint favourite Easter Hunt for second by three parts of a length. Equity Swap on debut for Willie Mullins, was noticeably weak in the market drifting to 9/2 from 5/2 before racing. He came in eighth at 5/1.

Handler Pat Shanahan said: “He was rated 105 on the flat. The change in tactics seemed to help, he seemed to enjoy it out in front.

“He had a very good run at Listowel when he didn’t jump a hurdle, but then he was very disappointing at Gowran when he stuck his head in the air for some reason.

“He’ll go for a novice now and we might go back on the flat at some stage.”

Chicago won Her Majesty’s Plate at Down Royal in July last year for Aidan and Joseph O’Brien. That was one of three races he won on the flat.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes