Review DOWNPATRICK 11TH DEC

Jessica Harrington reports Moscow Flyer on course for the Leopardstown Christmas meeting after saddling Hume Castle to justify prohibitive odds at the northern venue.

'Moscow Flyer came back from Sandown on Sunday morning, and there is not a bother on him,' said Mrs Harrington before confirming the Dial-A-Bet Chase on Paddy Power day at Leopardstown on December 27 as the next race for her stable star. The Moone handler has both the Pierse Hurdle and Newbury's Tote Gold Trophy in mind for Spirit Leader, who landed the valuable William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Sandown.

Hume Castle was prominent throughout in the two and three quarter miles maiden hurdle, and Barry Geraghty's mount was just pushed out to beat Tarqogan Thyne by five lengths. 'He will go for a beginners chase at Down Royal on Boxing Day,' said Mrs Harrington of the six-year-old gelding who is owned by a syndicate of golfers from Enniskillen.

Geraghty was fancied to initiate a double in the opening maiden hurdle aboard Royal All Star, but the 2/5 (from 4/7) favourite had to settle for the runner-up spot behind Logical Approach. Eddie Hales' former winning point-to-pointer was prominent throughout, and stayed on best under Norman Williamson from the home turn to score by ten lengths.

Williamson later got down to 9st9lb to partner Leapogues Lady in the handicap hurdle, and the effort proved worthwhile as he completed a 70/1 plus double on the locally trained mare. Colin McBratney's charge headed Mr Meyer on the run-in to record a two length victory, and may be aimed at a similar race in Navan on Saturday week.

Noel Meade gained some compensation for the reverse of Royal All Star with Kergaul in the handicap chase. The eight-year-old stole a vital advantage on the downhill approach to the straight, and stayed on well for Ian Power to beat Mackinus by an eased down two lengths.

Alan Magee