Little King Robin’s Cheltenham hopes dented by Rock On The Moor

Cheltenham Festival dreams appear a long way off for Little King Robin after she was well beaten by Rock On The Moor in the punchestown. com Mares Hurdle.

Having been on the go throughout the summer, the diminutive Little King Robin progressed to win the Grade Two WKD Hurdle at Down Royal.

After that she was not disgraced in the Morgiana Hurdle and the Hatton’s Grace and was sent off the 7-4 favourite to get back to winning ways on her return from an 80-day absence.

Colin Bowe’s charge adopted her usual front-running role but was caught before turning into the straight and eventually faded into fifth.

Jessica Harrington's Rock On The Moor (6-1) was left in front under Robbie Power but looked a sitting duck as Analifet cruised up. However, not for the first time Analifet found less than expected off the bridle and went down by three and three-quarter lengths.

“I think she was very unlucky when she fell at Fairyhouse as she was not done with that day (behind Morning Run),” said Harrington. “She stays two and a half miles. She’s never jumped as fast in her life – they went a really good gallop.

"I'd say she'll go to Fairyhouse for the Grade One mares' novice. I'll have to speak to the owner, but it's unlikely that she'd take on Annie Power at Cheltenham."

Bowe had no explanation for Little King Robin’s poor run. “I’d been happy with her at home but, for all the world, that looked like a really flat run,” he said. “I’ll get her scoped but Mark (Walsh, her jockey) said she was hanging and he was in trouble before she made the mistake three from home.”