War Of Attrition, runner-up in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham last March, got his chasing career off to a successful start when touching off Sraid Na Cathrach by a head in the two and three quarter miles beginners chase at Thurles.
The Mouse Morris-trained gelding, a big drifter in the bettting from 4/6 out to 6/4 favourite, jumped well for Conor O'Dwyer and gradually got into the race in the straight to win under just hands and heels riding. The principals pulled 20 lengths clear of the remainder.
'He jumped great for his first time over fences. He traveled really well, although he took a bit of a blow at the top of the hill (after five out),' said O'Dwyer, while Morris was unsure of immediate plans saying, 'He'll be entered in the Drinmore but I think two miles is his trip, and I need to get experience into him.' Paddy Powers and Ladbrokes both offer 16/1 about the five-year-old for the Arkle.
Another Arkle candidate to make a successful start over fences was Royal Alphabet in the two miles beginners event. Ruby Walsh's mount was also very weak in the market (6/4 from 4/6) but the Willie Mullins-trained gelding jumped fast and accurately and went on five out to beat the staying on Aye Aye Popeye by six lengths.
'I'm delighted with that, and his jumping was very rapid. He should come on a lot from that, and as he gets older he should handle soft ground better,' said Mullins of the gelding who is a best priced 14/1 with Cashmans for the Arkle.
Oh Be The Hokey recorded his third win at the track in the two and three quarter miles conditions chase, prominent throughout for David Casey and asserting before the last to beat The Young Bishop by three lengths. 'I thought he didn't get this trip last season, and that gives us a lot more options. He'll probably go for a handicap next,' said trainer Charlie Swan.
Swan and Casey later completed a double when One More Minute just held off the dual challenges of Lord Gunnerslake and Pearl Lake, and also survived a stewards enquiry after edging left on the run-in.
Chukchi Country led between the final two fences for Sean McDermott in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase, staying on well on the run-in to beat Multeen Gunner by five lengths.
Alan Magee
