De Bromhead's day at Naas as Inthepocket cut to 12-1 from 25 for Ballymore

Tuesday: Naas

Henry de Bromhead sent out a couple of his big guns at the rescheduled Naas fixture and went home with two winners that look likely to play a greater hand in the bigger races over the coming months.

There was no salvaging the meeting from Navan on Sunday, but at least the Grade 2 Navan Novice Hurdle was saved, and the JP McManus-owned Inthepocket remained unbeaten after a victory more convincing than the winning margin of a neck would suggest.

The two hurdles in the straight being omitted due to low sun was thought to be of no benefit to this five-year-old, and Rachael Blackmore was at pains not to hit the front too soon on this son of Blue Bresil. It became evident why as he idled badly in front and almost opened the door for runner-up Three Card Brag.

"He jumps well and the last two hurdles being taken out wouldn't have suited him but maybe it didn't suit any of them," said the owner's racing manager Frank Berry.

"It was a good performance. He didn't do a lot in front but it was a good step up from his maiden at Wexford and it was pleasing. He has a bit of class and he will learn a bit more from that."

Paddy Power shortened him to 12-1 (from 25) for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Journey strikes over fences

Inthepocket sealed a double for De Bromhead and Blackmore, who were earlier successful with the immensely promising Journey With Me in the 2m4f beginners chase.

Journey With Me’s jumping was not always the most fluent but he took control of the race from odds-on favourite Flame Bearer after the second last and stayed on stoutly to score by 13 lengths, bouncing back from falling on his chase debut at Gowran Park last month.

"He did it well. His jumping took a little while to warm up after the last day but it was a good performance," said Blackmore. "He settled really well. I didn't think we went a mad gallop but we all finished pretty tired so maybe it's more testing than it looks."

Impaire visually impresses

There was no more impressive winner than the Willie Mullins-trained Impaire Et Passe, who was cut to 10-1 (from 40) for the Ballymore and 14-1 (from 25) for the Supreme by Paddy Power after blitzing his rivals in the four-year-old maiden hurdle.

It looked a contest halfway up the straight, but when Paul Townend pressed the button a furlong out he put daylight between himself and some admittedly ordinary rivals.

It surprised the champion trainer as the Diamond Boy gelding does not show a lot at home. Mullins said: "He did everything right today and there is plenty of scope in his jumping. He is one to look forward to."

It was a good day too for Ben Harvey who rode his first winner as a professional when landing the unplaced maiden hurdle on Slane Hill for Barry Connell.

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