Mullowney set for Punchestown after win at Naas

Mallowney will get another chance to take on the best two-mile chasers in Ireland this spring following his runaway victory at Naas.

Tim Doyle's nine-year-old looked ready to play with the big boys at Fairyhouse last month when he turned what looked a competitive renewal of the Dan Moore Memorial Chase into a procession.

Mallowney was an even-money favourite stepped back up to Grade Two level the Paddy Power Your Local Betting Shop Chase and cruised into the home straight with plenty in the tank.

Moscow Mannon tried to throw down a challenge when suffering a fatal fall at the final fence, allowing Mallowney to coast home 17 lengths clear of Rathlin under Davy Russell, with Twinlight third.

Mallowney will not be crossing the Irish Sea to contest next month’s Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham, but he could meet the top two-milers at Punchestown.

Doyle said: “It was very similar to the way he won the Dan Moore. Davy thinks he’s getting more relaxed.

"We'll stick to our plan and he'll probably go to Fairyhouse for the Normans Grove and Punchestown (Champion Chase) after that."

Lean Araig benefited from a power-packed drive from Robbie Colgan to claim top honours in the Grade Two Paddy Power Shops Better Value Novice Hurdle.

Victory did not look likely for much of the two-mile journey as Oliver McKiernan’s six-year-old had to be given reminders at various stages.

But the 9-2 chance responded to Colgan’s urgings and courageously fought off Modem after the final flight to pass the post a length to the good.

McKiernan said: “I always felt that two miles was a bit short for him.

“All being well, he’ll go to Fairyhouse and Punchestown.”

Colgan was, however, suspended four days for using his whip with excessive frequency.

Empire Of Dirt (9-2 co-favourite) got off the mark over fences with a determined effort in the Woodlands Park 100 Club Nas Na Riogh Novice Handicap Chase.

Trainer Colm Murphy said: “His pedigree suggests he’ll get every yard of three miles and, on that ground, it was a proper test.”

Tycoon Prince (7-4) proved much too good for sole rival Up For Review in the concluding Paddy Power Late Night Shopping Flat Race.

Trainer Gordon Elliott said: “We think he’s very nice and he’s a big exciting horse to go jumping hurdles with.

“That’s him now for this season and he’ll have a nice break.”

Trainer-jockey John Cullen was unable to do the weight on his mare Misty Lady (11-2) in the Best Odds In Your Paddy Power Shop Handicap Hurdle, but was delighted to see Andrew Ring boot her to victory following a string of placed efforts.

He said: “I’ll aim her at races with good prize-money where she will have a low weight.”

Lean Araig benefited from a power-packed drive from Robbie Colgan to claim top honours in the Paddy Power Shops Better Value Novice Hurdle.

Oliver McKiernan’s six-year-old was on a hat-trick following successive handicap wins over three miles at Punchestown and was a 9-2 chance coming back to the minimum trip and stepping up to Grade Two level.

Victory did not look likely for much of the two-mile journey as Lean Araig appeared slightly reluctant to head out on to the second circuit, and Colgan had to give him a couple of slaps down the neck to keep his mind on the job.

The jockey continued to earn his riding fee down the back straight, shoving his mount along and administering a couple of reminders, but, to his credit, Lean Araig responded to his rider’s urgings.

Modem emerged as the main threat in the straight, but McKiernan’s charge would not be denied and fought him off courageously to pass the post in front.

Hot favourite Max Dynamite travelled well for a long way, but found little under pressure and was ultimately disappointing.