The Dice rolls in favour of Moon

Moon Dice got his career back on track when rallying strongly in the closing stages to land the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase at Cork.

Paul Flynn’s charge, 2/1 joint favourite along with Ballyadam Brook was recording his first win since enjoying his finest hour to-date 15 months ago in the Guinness Galway Hurdle.

His chasing career got off to an unfortunate start when an early casualty at Gowran Park a fortnight ago.

The seven-year-old’s task was greatly eased here with the withdrawl of two runners due to the drying ground, notably Tofino Bay, and Ballyadam Brook was pulled up lame after five out having made much of the early running along with Page Turner

Page Turner (12/1) was still very much involved in the straight and, after Moon Dice jumped slowly at the last, he gained a slight advantage on the run-in.

However Robbie Power’s mount dug deep in the closing stages to get back up for a neck verdict, giving his rider a double on the day after the earlier success of Dumbarton

Flynn said, “He’s had a few falls but has jumped well at home. He was a bit slow at the last but he’ll improve and just needs to get some confidence.

“He could go to England for a small chase somewhere. He did throw some fine jumps today, and he’ll be alright in time.”