Annie Power goes away from Defy Logic© Photo Healy Racing
The Willie Mullins-trained Annie Power maintained her unbeaten record as she beat the boys in some style in a hot looking paddypower.com Novice Hurdle at Naas. Defy Logic the well backed 13/8 favourite (from 9/4), took them along in the Grade 2 event but was blown away in the closing stages as the only mare in the field swept aside her rivals with contempt.
Push came to shove after the second last and Moscow Mannon cried enough while Don Cossack failed to pick up also.
Defy Logic was asked to quicken by Tony McCoy but had no answer when headed by the Rick Ricci-owned five-year-old before the final flight.
Ruby Walsh asked the 5/2 shot to settled matters on the run-in and she showed a smart turn of foot to put the race to bed and record a three-and-a-quarter length victory.
The winner had landed two bumpers for Jim Bolger before being bought to join Mullins yard and has added another bumper and now three hurdles since the switch.
“I didn't know how good she was and we came here to find out. I still don't know how good she is!” said Mullins afterwards.
“She has the size and scope to be anything. She looks like she'll be a chaser in time and I hope she'll improve and keep getting stronger. With a summers grass she can do nothing but improve.
“We'll probably look at the Grade One mares race at Fairyhouse for her.”
It was a double on the card for Mullins after another smart looking mare in Upsie had claimed the opening maiden hurdle.
Paul Nolan was far from disappointed by the defeat of Defy Logic and said:-
“I think we were beaten by an exceptional mare. It's only his second run over hurdles and Tony (McCoy) said he was a bit green.
“It's only the second time he's been off the bridle in his life. We'll have to have a chat with the lads and see where we go next.”
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
