RACING: Those who bet the odds on Back In Front at Punchestown yesterday stared at defeat more than once but Ireland's premier Champion Hurdle hope somehow ultimately came out on top.
Certainly, the roars of relief from the betting ring that greeted Back In Front's length and a half defeat of his stable companion Sacundai in the Mongey Communications Morgiana Hurdle were heart-felt. Before the second last, he was being niggled at by his new jockey Barry Geraghty: a mistake at that second last flight looked to have finished his chance and on the turn in, Back In Front's chances of living up to his name looked remote at best.
Instead it was Sacundai that looked the likely winner as Solerina started to fade and Risky Reef flattered. But that was when Back In Front chose to show his real championship credentials and he battled back resolutely to keep his position as the shortest Irish-trained runner in the Cheltenham ante-post market.
Cashmans even went as low as 6 to 1 about the Edward O'Grady-trained star and O'Grady was keen to take the positives from the performance. "He showed proper resolution the way he battled because I'd consigned any thoughts of winning to the bin. Hopefully that's a hallmark of what he's got. I thought he was beaten on the run-in but Barry says he still needs to sharpen up. He is a spring horse," he said.
Leopardstown's Christmas Hurdle is the likely next stop for Back In Front while Sacundai and Solerina (10 to 1 and 8 to 1 respectively with Paddy Power for the Stayers' Hurdle) will hook up again in the Hatton's Grace at the end of the month.
"I'm thrilled with her. Two and a half miles is her ideal trip," said Solerina's trainer Michael Bowe while O'Grady said of Sacundai: "I'm flabbergasted. Fitness wise I'd hoped he wouldn't embarrass me - and he nearly did!"
It was a day of many hints for the future winter campaign but they weren't all predictable. Kicking King started a well backed favourite on his chasing debut but faded from the second last to be a well beaten fifth behind Anxious Moments. Nevertheless, his trainer Tom Taaffe said: "He was a bit bullish and keen and just ran out of steam. But I liked the way he jumped." Anxious Moments earned a 20 to 1 quote for the Arkle but trainer Charlie Swan is not looking too far ahead.
"He would put you in the poorhouse based on his homework. He has always looked a very good horse but has let us down more times than not. You can't fully trust him, but he jumped well today," said Swan who will look at the Drinmore Chase next.
The favourite did oblige in the Irish Field Chase but it wasn't easy for Satco Express as he surrendered the lead to Beausheram half a mile out and only got it back after the second last. "He could have gone around again!" said trainer "Dusty" Sheehy who will aim the winner at Leopardstown's William Neville Chase.
Berkeley Note won the opener on her hurdling debut and in the process earned a 33 to 1 quote from Cashmans for the Triumph.
