Sixth in the Triumph Hurdle and a wide margin winner at Tipperary, Salvator Mundi gained his second victory over obstacles in the Grade 2 Skybet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown on Sunday. Absent since the spring, the No Risk At All gelding raced keenly early on and didn't jump with his usual fluency. However, Paul Townend's mount responded well to pressure between the final two flights to win going away by three lengths. His critics will doubtless be out in force on social media - hiding behind inflated titles - but the five year old will be a different proposition on better ground in the spring and racing left handed. Don't forget Vautour was workmanlike in the same event before outclassing his rivals in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle in 2014. If anyone is in any doubt regarding his jumping, I suggest watching his three previous starts.
Stablemate Kel Histoire ran well in second considering his lack of experience. A cosy winner at Cork last time, it was only his third career start and more improvement will be forthcoming. Not entered at the DRF at Leopardstown next month, he will presumably head straight to Cheltenham for either the Supreme or Turners Novice Hurdle. A stronger early gallop and better ground is likely to suit more in future and the J.P.McManus owned youngster remains a smart prospect.
While the first two home in the Moscow Flyer Novices' Hurdle featured in the Top 40 in One Jump Ahead, Kappa Jy Pyke was another winner for the French Revolution section. Runner-up on his Irish debut at Cork, the Masked Marvel gelding went one better in the maiden hurdle. Prominent throughout, he was being pressed at the last when left clear following the fatal fall of Don'tstopthemusic. Much more settled on this occasion, Willie Mullins' charge jumped well and looks the type to progress.
POST
Mark Howard Publications Ltd.
69 Fairgarth Drive
Kirkby Lonsdale
Carnforth
Lancashire
LA6 2FB
TELEPHONE
015242 71826
FAX
015242 79010
EMAIL
mark.howard@mhpublications.co.uk