Tennessee books Cheltenham ticket

Sizing Tennessee produced a smart front-running performance to take the concluding bumper at Gowran Park this afternoon.

Patrick Mullins had the 2/5 hotpot at the head of affairs throughout and he pulled clear in the closing stages in impression fashion for a three-and-three-quarter length win.

All five runners were in contention turning for home in a tactical affair but one-by-one they failed to live with the favourite.

Mullins asked his mount for an effort over a furlong out and he was really starting to motor in the closing stages.

The winner had scored in similar style at Punchestown last month and Cheltenham is now on the cards for the Robin Des Champs gelding.

It was a first and last race double for Willie Mullins, having landed the opener with Dogora and he said afterwards:-

“Patrick was very impressed with him because they slowed down a fair bit. He's a galloper but he was still able to win in a sprint finish. It hasn't diminished his thoughts of him.

“If he won here we said we'd go to Cheltenham. I'll speak to the owners but I don't think plans will change. A better gallop over there would suit him more.”

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)