Review TIPPERARY 9TH OCT
Call Bewleys looked a classy novice chaser in the making when running out an impressive victor on his debut over fences at Tipperary on Tuesday.
Philip Rothwell's charge dismissed his field in great style when sent for home three out, in the first division of the beginners chase, by Davy Russell.
The Carroll House gelding pulled clear down the straight to record a 12-length victory over Sizing Australia, who inherited second place when Spes Ultima fell at the last.
'His jumping is amazing - in fact it's awesome,' enthused Rothwell. 'He's not a winter ground horse and that's why I was keen to run him today.
'He's a Cheltenham horse but whether that's in November or next March I'm not sure yet. I'll go home and talk to (owner) Michael O'Leary.'
The second division of the contest looked set to develop into a great battle before River Nurey crashed out at the last leaving Monty Mint to come home clear.
Ruby Walsh was quick off the mark posting an early double aboard Prospecterous and Spaceman.
The champion had to earn his fee in the opener as Prospecterous battled back on the run-in to score by two lengths after being headed by Priest Field before the second last.
'He'll probably go for a winners' race at Cork next month,' said trainer Joe Crowley's assistant Damien Byrne.
'He missed the second at Clonmel and was never happy after that. He's had a lot of schooling since and jumped much better today.'
Michael Hourigan was full of praise for Walsh after Spaceman was produced to lead at the last and take the maiden hurdle by a length-and-a-quarter from Mr Muji.
'He's a genius at his trade!' said Hourigan. 'This horse has always promised but hasn't delivered before now. He could go to Limerick on Sunday for a conditions hurdle.'
The Kirby's Pharmacy Tipperary Hurdle looked an open event but Albanov (5/1jf) proved a cosy winner.
Jessica Harrington's charge cruised up to challenge two out and skipped clear before the last for a stylish four-and-a-half length margin.
'He seems to have come back a better horse this season - he is more relaxed,' said Harrington. 'He'll probably go chasing although he could take in another hurdle first.'
Native Royal (4/1f) looks set for a hike in the weights after a cruise in the handicap hurdle. The Tom Hogan-trained mare was not extended to score by three-and-a-half lengths.
Wishwillow Lord (9/2) continued the trend of impressive winning favourites when taking the handicap chase.
The top-weight kicked clear after the second last, under Paul Carberry, and kept on strongly to beat Show Blessed by five lengths.