Passion's Cheltenham odds cut after comfortable win

PUNCHESTOWN REPORT: Wild Passion ran out the comfortable winner of the Panoramic Restaurant Beginners Chase at Punchestown yesterday.

Paul Carberry had the Supreme Novices' Hurdle second up with the leaders from the start in the 18-runner contest.

Noel Meade's charge jumped adequately apart from being a bit slow four out but he was in front after the next.

Clearing the last two obstacles in style, the 6 to 4 favourite came away well to win by four lengths from the staying-on Kill Devil Hill with Publican back in third place.

Wild Passion was cut to 10 to 1 from 12 to 1 for the Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival by bookmakers Coral following his victory, with Kill Devil Hill dropping into 16 to 1 from 20s.

Meade said afterwards: "The first three home are probably three of the best novices in the country.

"He has schooled well at home, although his jumping is a bit flat still.

"He is a big, tough horse considering he came from the Flat and he should take to jumping fences better than most.

"The plan is to run him in the Drinmore (at Fairyhouse) at the beginning of December and it is quite possible he won't run again before that.

"Hopefully, all going well, he'll then go to Leopardstown at Christmas before going for the Arkle back at Leopardstown."

DETTORI TREBLE: Frankie Dettori wasted no time in getting back on the scoresheet yesterday by completing a 24 to 1 treble at Nottingham on his first rides back in England after a fruitless Breeders' Cup meeting.

The Italian's hat-trick was confirmed when a dead heat between his mount Economic and Stravara in division two of the Barbara Wilkinson's Retirement From Wilkinson Maiden Stakes was announced.

Economic made all and was only joined on the line by Reg Hollinshead's charge.

Dettori had earlier won on Lipizza in the Season Finale Lunch Nursery and Reunite in the Barbara Wilkinson's Retirement From Wilkinson Maiden Stakes division one.