Some observers made the point beforehand that Burnt Oil Babe would suit Ruby Walsh's style, though there is hardly a horse in training that wouldn't suit the multiple champion, and the Kildare man got the grey daughter of Beneficial home in the www.punchestown .com For Better Value Handicap Chase for Willie Murphy and the Fighting Cocks Mob Syndicate.
Well-punted (7s in the morning into 4/1) Burnt Oil Babe done everything very smoothly through the race and as is often the case with her, the vulnerability comes when she hits the front. Here she managed to do enough on the run-in to hold off the J P McManus-owned pair, Good Decision and Smoking Aces (nicely backed and making up ground hand over fist at the finish) by three parts of a length and a head.
Willie Murphy said: "She's a good mare. We've no plans now, we'll stay going as we can.
"There might be a nice race in her somewhere. She was well-handicapped today which helped. It was hard luck on Barry Cash as he couldn't do the weight on her.
"Two miles up to three miles, it doesn't seem to bother the mare. However today's two and a half could be what suits her best. Hopefully she might make up into a Paddy Power Chase mare."
