The impressive Felix Yonger (Ruby Walsh)© Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins has plenty of top class options in the novice chasing division this term but Felix Yonger looks pretty high in the pecking order following an impressive victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase, a fourth winner on the afternoon at Navan for the champion trainer.
Just four went to post for the two miles and one furlong event but any fears that it could develop into a falsely run affair were soon dispelled as Trifolium set a searching pace in front.
Trifolium and 1/2 favourite Felix Yonger both put in fine rounds of jumping, with the ‘jolly’ taking over two out and soon asserting under Ruby Walsh - completing a personal treble on the day.
The Oscar gelding, now unbeaten in three outings over fences, was well in command on the run-in and stayed on well to score by 15 lengths.
Paddy Power cut Felix Yonger into 12/1 (from 14’s) for the Racing Post Arkle Novice Chase, while Boylesports go 10/1 (from 14/1). He trades at shorter prices for the Jewson, with Power 8/1 (from 12/1) and Boylesports going just 7/1.
Patrick Mullins said, “He could go back up in trip or stay here. The fact that he was asked to go around at that speed today was good experience for him. It’s that far away that he could run at Christmas but he’s done plenty of racing so he doesn’t have to.”
Walsh said, “It was a good performance. In fairness to Trifolium he went some gallop and never missed a beat. He stretched me all the way but you’d have to love the way he quickened up. He was very good.
"He has a bit of age on his side and he’s going the right way. I wouldn’t mind going a bit further with him but we’ll leave the plans to the genius in Hong Kong!"
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
