Sober skips clear for cosy Grade 2 success

The Willie Mullins-trained Sober skipped clear in the closing stages to run out an easy winner of the Grade 2 Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

Paul Townend ’s mount was untidy at the first flight in the two-miler but soon recovered and travelled strongly throughout.

The Camelot gelding came to tackle front-runner Road Exile on the bridle, in the straight and the 9/4 shot edged ahead going to the last.

He got in a bit tight there but soon asserted on the run-in for a cosy five-and-a-half length success over the 8/11 favourite.

Paul said he quickened very well, he probably quickened a little bit more than he expected, but he was delighted with him. A truer-run race would probably suit him as well.

David Casey

Flat class and speed key to Grade 2 win

Assistant David Casey said:- “He had a break after Ascot, and I thought he might need a bit further, but I suppose his Flat class told and he put it to bed well. I’m very happy with what he did.

“Paul said he quickened very well, he probably quickened a little bit more than he expected, but he was delighted with him. A truer-run race would probably suit him as well, and hopefully he’ll improve plenty and keep going forward.

“He’s in the two-mile race at the Dublin Racing Festival, but my guess is he won’t go there as it’s too close.

“He jumped a bit sketchy at the first, but after that Paul said he was good.

“He could end up back at Ascot again, and is owned by Australians so he could head out there in November!”

Promising debut from stablemate Free Spirit

“I think Free Spirit (finished third) will improve loads. He’s a different type, having had just two hurdle races in France, and wouldn’t have had the Flat experience of the winner.

“He jumped well and kept galloping well. I’m really happy with his first run.”

Paddy Power made the winner a 20/1 shot (from 33/1) for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)