Bannow Bay remains 4/1 2nd favourite with Cashmans for the Bonusprint Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham despite narrowly taking the Boyne Hurdle in workmanlike fashion.
Charlie Swan needed to push the 7yo gelding right out on the run-in to deny Prince Of Tara by a neck in the 3m event, but trainer Christy Roche was quite content afterwards.
He said, 'Anyone who has him backed for Cheltenham shouldn't be tearing up their tickets. I thought he might get beaten today on this ground. Charlie said it was very tacky.'
The Cheltenham Festival is not surprisingly at the forefront of most trainers plans at present, and a number of winners this afternoon may head there next month.
Ruby Walsh added to his treble at Gowran on Saturday with an 18/1 plus double aboard No Discount and Its Time For A Win.
Ted Walsh is considering a staying handicap chase, possibly the Kim Muir, at the Festival for No Discount who took the novice chase in great style.
Walsh junior oozed confidence on the 8yo gelding, cruising to the front after two out to score by a distance.
The champion jockey was seen at his best on Its Time For A Win, who responded to a strong drive in the 2m4f handicap chase to beat Cregg House by 2L.
Trainer Willie Mullins will enter him in both the Grand Annual and the Mildmay Of Flete handicap chases, and also reports Alexander Banquet and Florida Pearl in great form.
'They both came out of the Hennessy in good shape, and we will probably adopt more forceful tactics with Florida Pearl if the ground is good,' said Mullins.
Henry Afrika put himself in line for a crack at the Glenlivet Hurdle at Aintree after opening his jumping account in the 4yo winners hurdle.
Barry Geraghty sent the gelding past the front-running favourite Well Fella just after the final flight, and kept on well to score by 2L.
Winning trainer Gerry McArdle is currently on holiday in the USA, but his son Donal outlined plans afterwards.
'This was a decent sort on the Flat, but our horses have all been wrong for the last six months. The Lincoln at the Curragh is a possibility, and he will be entered for the Glenlivet Hurdle.'
Quality First readily landed the handicap hurdle in the hands of Kieran Gaule, with disappointing fav Born Flyer found to be in season.
Canon Barney (Keith Hadnett) gained a hard-earned win in div 1 of the 2m2f maiden hurdle, while Beachcomber Bay easily took div 2 under Paul Carberry.
Greywell, trained and ridden by Liz Doyle, was always travelling well in the bumper to comfortably beat Twist 'N Shout (4/6-1/1f) by 3L.
Alan Magee
