Last Instalment makes all to see off Mullins pair

Report: Leopardstown, Sunday

Dr. P.J. Moriarty Novice Chase (Grade 1) 2m5f 5yo+

A NEAR fautless round of jumping from Last Instalment ensured the odds-on favourite saw off the challenge of the Willie Mullins-trained duo Call The Police and Lambro.

William Hill left the winner unchanged at 7-1 for the RSA Chase, while BetVictor go 6-1 (from 7) after the 8-11 shot's trainer Philip Fenton pointed the way towards a potential clash with Grands Crus.

"My biggest concern was leaving the back straight when the others were stacking up behind, but he answered every call which is the sign of a good horse," Fenton said.

"He goes to Cheltenham for the RSA, but he wouldn't want it any quicker than it was today - if it was he might not go."

Last Instalment is now four wins from four starts over fences, and looking at the way he jumped here you can see why.

The seven-year-old, racing on his own out in front for nearly all of the race, did tend to go a little out to his right at his fences, but the leaps he was putting in were the key to him landing the race.

His jump at the last fence typified the performance as he took it better and got away quicker than Call The Police, who was looking a big danger under Paul Townend.

From there Davy Russell galavanised his mount and as his stamina kicked in he galloped all the way to the line for a clear win.