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'Still no limit on what he can achieve' - Is Ronan McNally's star the real deal?

Ronan McNally celebrates as the Dreal Deal wins the Grade 2 Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle.Punchestown Racecourse.Photo: Patrick McCann/Racing Post17.01.2021
Ronan McNally (left) celebrates with Dreal Deal after his surprise Punchestown successCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Our experts dissect Dreal Deal's surprise victory in the Grade 2 Moscow Flyer Novices' Hurdle and discuss where he might end up next.

'Don't underestimate him'

The first thing that comes to mind is how much of a good thing he'd be in a Flat handicap off a mark of 78!

I'm sure Ronan McNally has one eye on exploiting that at one of the big festivals, but before then Dreal Deal is worth a go in a Grade 1.


Cheltenham next? Dreal Deal overcomes major drift to win at Punchestown


The Moscow Flyer was run to suit and it didn't appear to be an exceptional renewal, but don't underestimate him.

The Supreme doesn't look a deep race at this stage and, given he endured such a poor preparation for Punchestown ("he hasn't galloped or eaten well") emphasised by an alarming market drift, the performance can be upgraded.
Maddy Playle, RPTV

'Punchestown festival could be right up his street'

Given the cautionary pre-race comments from connections and his mighty market drift, you have to be taken by his performance and there is still no limit on what he can achieve.

As seen with Main Fact in Britain, Ronan McNally must test his star at the highest level next as he is unlikely to get another horse who is a genuine Grade 1 contender and with five of his six victories coming right-handed, the Punchestown festival could be right up his street.


Watch: Dreal Deal wins the Grade 2 Moscow Flyer Novices' Hurdle


Given his low Flat mark there is every chance he could be targeted as a dark horse for a race like the Ebor. You simply cannot put a gauge on his talent at the moment.
Matt Rennie, reporter

'I'd be surprised if he won another Graded race'

He's yet another Irish-trained horse who has made a huge amount of improvement out of nowhere, and he needs to keep progressing if he is going to be competitive in a Grade 1.

Dreal Deal achieved a Racing Post Rating of 142 when landing this Grade 2 and that gives him 11lb to find with the market principals in the Supreme, Appreciate It and Metier.

Graeme Rodway believes Dreal Deal is not yet at the level of Supreme favourite Appreciate It (above)
Graeme Rodway believes Dreal Deal is not yet at the level of Supreme favourite Appreciate It (above)Credit: David Keane

How much progress can a horse make in one season? Dreal Deal has already improved 32lb on RPRs since his first hurdle win at Navan in September and his Punchestown performance was only 2lb better than his previous best. He might have won, but his rate of progress is slowing.

I'd be surprised if he won another Graded race and expect his improvement to level out in the coming months. He has a similar profile to Chatham Street Lad and look at what happened to him at Fairyhouse on Saturday. There is only so much progress the average horse can make.

It’s more likely Dreal Deal will end up back in handicaps than become a top-class novice.
Graeme Rodway, assistant betting editor


Catch up on more of the weekend action

All too easy for Envoi Allen after Asterion fluffs his lines in first-fence fall

'She just has extra gears' - Sly effusive in her praise of unbeaten Eileendover

Saturday reaction: 'He should top any shortlist for the Scottish Grand National'

Sadness of losing poor Mohaayed is summed up in Dan Skelton's heartfelt words

'I don't like the race' - King picks Ayr over Aintree as Notachance's National

Expert Jury: 'He's one of the best four-year-olds in Ireland right now'


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Published on 17 January 2021inReports

Last updated 17:56, 17 January 2021

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