Fiveforthree Books Bumper Ticket

Fiveforthree received quotes of 12-1 for the Cheltenham bumper from Ladbrokes and William Hill after bolting in by seven lengths on his debut at Punchestown.

The five-year-old grey, a half-brother to Hennessy Gold Cup winner Celestial Gold, travelled smoothly throughout for Katie Walsh and soon had the Rockview (Q.R.) INH Flat Race in the bag.

Sent off the 9-4 favourite, Walsh was never far from the pace and never had an anxious moment before moving to join the leaders two furlongs from home.

Walsh asked her mount to quicken and he did so in grand style to force his way firmly into Willie Mullins' Festival plans.

He is available at 14-1 with Cork-based Cashmans, with stable companion Mad Fish the 8-1 second-favourite behind 6-1 market leader Cork All Star.

'He looks a smart sort,' said Mullins. 'He hadn't shown a lot before Christmas, but has improved immensely in the last few weeks. He can only improve on that.

'We'll see what happens in the next few weeks with regards to the Cheltenham team.

'At the moment it looks like this fellow and Mad Fish will be heading there (for the bumper).

'I want to run Mad Fish again beforehand, but I'm not going to run him in heavy ground again.'

(C) PA Sport