Review KILLARNEY 17-JUL-2000

Moscow Express is on course for a repeat bid in the Galway Plate after justifying prohibitive odds in the featured 2 1/2m chase on day one of the Festival meeting.

However the 8yo was far from impressive in leading before four out (mistake at the last) under Ruby Walsh to beat Pas Possible by 2L.

'He is lazy, and much better in a competitive race. He dosen't pay attention in slower run races,' said trainer Frances Crowley, referring to the last fence blunder.

Walsh earlier initiated a double, and is now on the 11 winner mark for the season, aboard Punter's Friend in division 2 of the maiden hurdle.

The Willie Mullins trained gelding was up with the pace throughout to beat Gatso by 3/4L, and is viewed by connections as a future summer chaser.

Mick Halford was also in double form, completing a 25/1 plus brace with Berengarius and Tribal Instinct.

Paul Carberry is 3 ahead of Walsh on the 14 winner mark after Berengarius led two out to beat Celtic Dawn (3/1-9/4f) by 5 1/2L in division 1 of the maiden hurdle.

Tribal Instinct (2/1-11/4) quickened up a furlong out in the 2yo maiden but needed to be driven out by Fran Berry to hold the renewed effort of Bressbee by 1/2L.

'He is improving with each run, and will go next for a Listed race,' said Halford.

Siamsa (3/1-11/4jf) led off the home turn under Kevin Manning for an easy win in the 0-75 handicap, with market rival Montpelier Street (blowing hard post-race) dropping out tamely in the straight.

Montpelier Street's handler Tom Cooper had better fortune half-an-hour later with To Be Loved (16/1 but paid #27.10 on the Tote) in the 0-60 handicap.

The 4yo filly led a furlong out under Colm O'Donoghue to beat Granuale by 1L, and may turn out again here on Thursday in a handicap hurdle.

'He's as auld as myself, with as many aches and pains,' quipped trainer Paddy Prendergast after Avoid The Rush snatched victory in the final stride of the 2m1f handicap.

The 10yo responded to a strong drive from Stephen Craine to peg back favourite Akasian, and could also revert to hurdles on Thursday.

Five Of Hearts (Pa Murphy) was always prominent for a convincing win in the bumper.