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Review PUNCHESTOWN 13-FEB-2000

Conor O'Dwyer has emerged as a strong contender for the riders championship in recent weeks, and further boosted his prospects by sharing a short-priced treble with Arthur Moore.

Fadoudal Du Cochet provided the highlight when making virtually all to take the Grade 2 Tied Cottage Novice Chase.

The 7yo was strongly pressed by Bedthem Prince and Grimes in the straight but stayed on well on the run-in to score by 3 1/2L.

'He is a two miler, and likes soft ground but there are very few suitable opportunities for him in the next few weeks,' said Moore afterwards.

O'Dwyer, now on the 47 winner mark for the season, also teamed up with Moore to land both divisions of the 2m maiden hurdle with The Gatherer and Hot Shots.

The Gatherer (2/5-4/9f) was always travelling well but the Wexford rider waited until the final flight before striking the front to beat Look To The Future by 3L.

Moore said: 'He may go next for a winners race at Thurles on February 24.'

O'Dwyer also adopted waiting tactics on Hot Shots, who landed in front after the last and was pushed out to win a shade cosily by 1/2L from Gortmore Mews.

The 5yo is owned by Punchestown Committee member Dermot Cox, and not surprisingly Moore said: 'We will find a race for him at the Festival meeting.'

The O'Dwyer/Moore team went very close to taking the 2 1/2m handicap chase with the front-running Star Service, whose saddle slipped in the closing stages.

Streamstown (Paul Carberry) just touched off the topweight by a neck after a titanic battle on the run-in.

Charlie Swan, trainer of Streamstown, was also on the mark in the saddle when partnering Ross Moff (5/2-7/2) to take the Grade 2 INH Novice Hurdle.

Tony Martin's charge made smooth headway to lead off the home bend for a 2L victory over Vanilla Man (4/1-5/2).

Native Titan (6/4-9/4f) was found to have a respiratory infection after dropping out tamely inside the final 1/2m.

Pre Ordained overcame a mistake at the last to record his fourth course win in the Grand National Trial for Francis Flood senior and junior.

Flood senior said: 'The Kim Muir Handicap Chase at Cheltenham is a possible, and To Your Honour may go for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase. Both need soft ground.'

Shiny Bay stretched clear after two out under Garrett Cotter to take the 2m handicap hurdle, while Sigma Dotcomm edged out Supreme Schemer in the final strides of the bumper.