Flemenstar lights up Leopardstown for Lynch

Report: Leopardstown, Sunday

Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase (Grade 1) 2m1f, 5yo+

FLEMENSTAR made no mistake on his first attempt in Grade 1 company as trainer Peter Casey's chaser revelled in the testing conditions for an impressive victory.

Steady rain overnight and through the morning led to the ground being changed to soft, before the opener. After that race the going was again changed to heavy.

This was no inconvenience to Flemenstar who was sent off the 6-4 favourite, main market rival Blackstairmountain could never get involved for Ruby Walsh and finished in fifth.

Boylesports reacted to Flemenstar's 19-length win by making him a 12-1 chance for the Racing Post Arkle at Cheltenham, but the seven-year-old holds no festival entries and instead has the Powers Gold Cup on his agenda.

Casey said: "We're not going to Cheltenham. I'm so happy and glad the owner didn't sell him as we wouldn't be here otherwise. He needs soft ground. We'll maybe think of the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse."

Blackstairmountain was pushed out to a general 20-1 for the Arkle having been as short as 11-1 with Paddy Power.

David Pipe's Notus De La Tour was the first to show when the race began, but before halfway Baily Green had taken himself to the front. Flemenstar was always prominent.

After four out, Andrew Lynch moved his mount to the lead and quickly nicked himself a couple of lengths advantage. Walsh, who had been at the rear of the field on Blackstairmountain from the outset, tried to follow but was unable to track the favourite - Gift Of Dgab was the closest pursuer.

A perfect jump at the last was an emphatic end to an assured performance by Flemenstar, Gift Of Dgab held second at 16-1 from Notus De La Tour, who rallied for third but was never dangerous.