Felix Yonger and Ruby Walsh take control from Flemenstar and Andrew Lynch© Photo Healy Racing
Felix Yonger produced a really smart turn of foot to take charge of the Grade 2 Boylesports Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown to bring up a double for Willie Mullins.
Mullins earlier on the mark with Balko Des Flos in the opener sent three into battle for this featured two miler and his Twinlight 'cut it out' under Paul Townend.
However Flemenstar struck on from four out under Andrew Lynch showing all his old dash.
He couldn't match even money favourite Felix Yonger (Ruby Walsh) when he went into overdrive though. Flemenstar stuck to his guns well on the run-in but there was no getting back to the winner and a length and three parts split them at the finish. Mozoltov (Mullins as well with Bryan Cooper in the plate) and Days Hotel stuck on to be two and a half lengths and a length and a half back in third and fourth.
"He surprised me with the turn of foot he showed going to the last fence to go by Flemenstar. He got under the last and was a bit idle in front but it was a good performance," reflected Walsh.
"I thought it rode a good race. Mozoltov backed up his last run in Fairyhouse and he's improved again today.
"He'll (Felix Yonger) go for the Champion Chase I'd imagine — it'd seem the obvious place to go."
Meanwhile Mullins remarked: "Ruby said he's still improving, and I'd imagine he'll take up his entry in the Champion Chase.
"The other option is to go for the race in Japan that Blackstairmountain won before but I'll have to talk with Graham Wylie (owner). It's very expensive to run in but there is big prize-money.
"We always thought he was better on better ground but he seems to be handling this ground. If he went to Japan that would rule out Cheltenham."
Paddy Power and BoyleSports are both 14/1 (from 20/1) for the Champion Chase about Felix Yonger.
BoyleSports are 16/1 (unchanged) for the Ryanair about Felix Yonger.
(AM & EM)
