Townend quick off the blocks with Stratum After a double at Ballinrobe yesterday evening, Paul Townend started Tuesday evening with an armchair ride on 1/6 favourite Stratum. Willie Mullins' charge faced three rivals in this extended two mile hurdle contest and made all. A lovely nimble jump three out was indicative of how Stratum enjoyed himself in Connacht. That saw him increase his advantage, however, the tracking Soldier At War cut the deficit after the second last. Soldier At War came off the bridle at the two pole, though, as Stratum strode towards the final flight. Stratum then scooted round the home bend under a motionless Townend and drew three and a half lengths clear in the final furlong. Soldier At War chased him home without threatening. Paul Townend said: “He won well and he was entitled to do that like an odds-on shot should. “The ground is plenty quick out there and I think it has dried out quite a bit compared to last night. There was much more of an ease in it yesterday.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee
