The Cheltenham credentials of River Liane were given a healthy boost when
Made In Taipan cruised home in the Irish Racing Writers Novice Hurdle at
Naas.
The 5-2 favourite was put firmly in his place by Tom Cooper's Fred Winter
fancy last week, but faced nothing of that calibre in this event and was
always travelling well within himself at the head of affairs.
Davy Russell let out an inch of rein approaching the second-last and
although he flattened the obstacle, Made In Taipan lost no momentum and he
hardly broke sweat in beating Powerfulpaddy by 15 lengths.
Cooper proved his team are in rude health ahead of the Festival when Royal
Spring (9-2) claimed the Moate Handicap Chase.
'Slippers' Madden went in pursuit of leader Conem approaching the turn for
home and he struck the front two fences from the finish. He appeared to idle
in front, but victory never looked in doubt and he crossed the line with
four lengths in hand of market leader View Mount Prince.
The most valuable race on the card was the Johnstown Handicap Hurdle and
went the way of Grand National hopeful King Johns Castle.
The 100-30 favourite shot had strung together a frustrating sequence of
second-placings over the bigger obstacles and again looked booked for a
place at best when seemingly tapped for toe straightening up.
But, favourably treated compared to his chasing mark, he hit top gear after
the last to beat Gabrona by four lengths, giving Davy Russell a double.
Wheresben (9-2) broke his fencing duck with an emphatic success in the
Kilcock Novice Chase.
Seamus Fahey's nine-year-old had been running well with little reward over
both hurdles and fences, but claimed the scalp of Freds Benefit with a
24-length verdict. Kilcrea Castle was made favourite after chasing home
Pomme Tiepy the last twice, but never threatened to land a serious blow.
© www.irish-racing.com
