BELLSHILL’S NATIONAL AIM REPORT
Elliott fields another likely contender in Hardline, but Cartwright is the choice following his impressive display over this course and distance earlier in the month.
The useful Flat performer progressed very well from his encouraging debut over timber at Gowran to bolt up in a maiden here a fortnight ago.
This will be a much tougher test for Cartwright, but there was a lot to like about his performance last time.
The manner in which he quickened up on the testing BELLSHILL produced a fine National trial on his first run for 11 months as he ran out a smooth winner of the At The Races Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse yesterday.
The Willie Mullins-trained gelding (right) was an odds on chance for his return and looked at least as good as ever under David Mullins.
He travelled and jumped well and still looked to be full of running when he moved to the head of the five runner field coming away from the ground to post a wide-margin victory suggested that he would have no trouble making his mark at graded level.
He could have most to fear from the smart Impact Factor, who deservedly got his turn in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown a month ago.
Elliott could also bag the Grade 3 Paddys Rewards Chase, where he fields three of the five runners.
The trainer’s Doctor Phoenix is sure to be popular having won a €100,000 handicap in good style at Fairyhouse last month.
The 10-year-old is well treated at the weights, while the move up to this level shouldn’t be a concern for him.
However, preference is for his stablemate Ball D’arc who second last. A safe jump at the final fence made sure of a clear cut success over A Genie In Abottle as Mullins won this Grade 3 for the fourth time in five years.
“He’s a much stronger horse this year and he has been going nicely at home,” said trainer Mullins after.
“I’m thinking more of the big handicap chases with him and he’s entered in the Aintree and Irish Grand Nationals.
“Now that he’s shown that he’s at home around here it might be the case that he will enjoyed an excellent campaign as a novice chaser last season.
He hasn’t been at all as busy this time, but he did win a graded contest over this course and distance in November when he had American Tom back in third.
On his only start since then he exited at the final fence when set to run a respectable race behind Simply Ned and Min at Leopardstown over Christmas.
Possibly Ball D’arc would prefer a longer trip to be at his very best, but two miles on testing ground suits him well. He is a solid and reliable performer at this level and looks good enough to give 9lb to Doctor Phoenix.
The Elliott-trained Swingbridge, who has put together be back here for the Irish National,” added Mullins.
Earlier Gordon Elliott’s Mitchouka booked his Cheltenham ticket by taking the Grade 3 Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle.
The red hot favourite looked to face a straight forward task in his quest for his fourth win of the season and the race was as good as over once he moved on after the second last flight.
Elliott confirmed that his charge would now tackle the Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. a number of placed runs lately, is selected in the threemile handicap chase.
He won a Punchestown handicap on his penultimate start, only to make a terrible mistake at the second last, so expect him to reverse form with Oscar Lantern.
Elsewhere, Willie Mullins should enjoy a double which can begin with Contingency.
Her fine run in a decent handicap at Leopardstown makes her the choice in the rated novice hurdle.
Carefully Selected was very impressive at Christmas and should take all the beating in the bumper.
Whisperinthebreeze ran quite a nice race at Gowran last time and that form looks solid which makes him the clear choice in the opener.