Backed as if defeat was completely out of the question Zaidpour appears to have the world at his feet after slamming the opposition in the Grade 1 Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Paul Townend let the French-bred son of Red Ransom have his head in the straight, he got in a bit close to two out but he soon completely overpowered Perfect Smile on the way to a seriously impressive twelve length success from Pineau De Re
A half-brother to Zaynar, the JCB Triumph Hurdle victor, the ex-Alain de Royer-Dupre trained flat performer Zaidpour of course missed last season as he incurred a nasty cut but Willie Mullins has never hidden his regard for the gelding and he impressed a lot when winning at Punchestown 32 days ago.
Mullins said after this success: "I'm delighted with his progress. He was keen early but he jumped well after settling after three hurdles. Paul said he was very happy with him at all stages. I'm not sure about Leopardstown now – we'll have to see how he comes out of this first.
"He is in the Future Champions (the Grade 1 paddypower.com Future Champions Novice Hurdle on December 27th) and there is the Deloitte Novice Hurdle for him as well (at Leopardstown in February).
"He was a real bargain (80,000 Euros at the Arqana Saint-Cloud 'Arc de Triomphe' Sale in October 2009). We would have probably given two or three times that price for him."
Five to one about Zaidpour for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle is the general price now whilst he is the same price for the Neptune Investments.
