Dolcita off the mark over fences with easy win

Dolcita justified her short price in fine style when opening her account over fences in the opening mares beginners chase at Fairyhouse this afternoon.

The Willie Mullins-trained mare went to post an even-money shot in the two-mile-five contest and tracked front-runner Carrigeen Lotus throughout.

Paul Townend let his mount dispute turning for home and she eased to the front before the final fence.

The daughter of Saint des Saints went on to post a cosy 14 length success.

Dolcita returned to Mullins this season after a spell in England and was recording her second career success. She had chased home Jeremys Flame at Naas on her most recent outing.

Townend said:- “She’s a little dinger. She caught my eye schooling when she came back to us and she just knew what she was at.

“Any reproduction of her last run was going to be good enough today. It’s lovely to get a win with her again.

“The ground is testing in places. There is a small bit of fresh (ground) on the inside but when that is gone it will be slow.”

Mullins later added:- “Paul was very happy with her jumping. She has been very good to jump from day one.

“She may go for the Mares Chase at Cheltenham but that would be a big step up from a beginners’ race. We’ll look at other options as well and discuss it with connections.

“Elimay will probably go for the Opera Hat at Naas on Saturday.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)