Setting perfect as Solerina shines again

Racing: Everyone knew how Solerina would tackle yesterday's Ballymore Hatton's Grace Hurdle but that still didn't provide any edge for the star mare's opposition as she powered her way to back-to-back victories in the Grade One feature.

Just like last year, Gary Hutchinson sent Solerina into the lead from the start and never saw a danger. It's the style that her remarkable stable companion Limestone Lad also employed in three wins in the race and yet again for the James Bowe team it proved devastating.

Brave Inca didn't help his task with some ropey jumping but he didn't give up the chase and ultimately only failed by six lengths. However, this track, at this time of year and over this two and a half miles, appears to be Solerina's element.

No doubt that was in the minds of those bookmakers who only marginally cut her Smurfit Champion Hurdle odds to 20 to 1 and Solerina's owner, John Bowe, said he isn't even going to think about Cheltenham until well after Christmas.

"There is the Giltspur Hurdle (December 12th) and the Festival Hurdle over Christmas before we think of anything else," Bowe said.

His brother Michael, who does most of the work with the incredibly successful Co Kilkenny string, wasn't quite as circumspect though.

"The ground is the key. Even at one mile, it's the key. If it's testing she has enough toe to run them off her feet. She is class," he said before declaring that three-mile races will not be an option.

That will not be the case with the third Rule Supreme who has a choice of Ascot's Long Walk Hurdle, the Lexus Chase or the Woodies Hurdle at Leopardstown for a next start.

Colm Murphy was delighted with Brave Inca's effort and nominated the Festival Hurdle as a Christmas target.

"He'll improve a lot for that and given a bit of better ground so will his jumping," the Co Wexford trainer said.

Despite Noel Meade's reservations, Watson Lake was allowed take his chance in the Pierse Group Drinmore Chase and he also made all to win.

However, the odds-on favourite made heavy weather of the last three fences and was pressed to within three lengths by the runner-up Forget The Past.

"You would have to be disappointed he got tired but it was two and a half miles and he was a little short," said Noel Meade. "I came here with the idea of not running but they did a lot of work with the fences."

Watson Lake could go next for the Durkan Homes Chase over Christmas and was cut to 12 to 1 for the Arkle by Powers.

Meade and jockey Paul Carberry also picked up the Grade One Betfair Royal Bond Novice Hurdle with Wild Passion. The winner beat off his stable companion Rocket Ship who looked to be going ominously well when making a terrible mistake at the second last.

"Slippers' (Madden) thought he would have won but who knows? I'm delighted," said Meade. "Wild Passion looks a real one as he has the speed for two miles and could stay two and a half. He's a special horse I'd say.

"The other horse is very good too and we'll try and keep them apart. Rocket Ship could go to England for better ground."

The Future Champions Novice Hurdle over Christmas is a target for Wild Passion whose recovery from a serious mistake at the sixth yesterday was impressive enough for Boylesports to make him their new 8 to 1 favourite for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

The previous favourite Total Enjoyment finished only sixth yesterday and was afterwards found to have a respiratory tract infection.

The 20 to 1 shot Cregg House powered over the big fences to make virtually all in the handicap chase and score for the claimer Michael Darcy.