FAIRYHOUSE 14:40

Non Runners: OUTLANDER (IRE). Fences: 14.

Time: 5m 22.2s Closing Sectional: (3.85f): 57.3s (108.2%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 101.5%

A strong renewal of the Drinmore that was won by a potential chasing star, No More Heroes creating a big impression as he saw off Monksland – a very smart hurdler – with something to spare, those in behind more than capable of winning races at a slightly lower level.

NO MORE HEROES (IRE) looked out of the very top drawer as he made it 2-2 over fences, producing a performance that saw him rightly leap to the head of the betting for the RSA at Cheltenham; in touch, travelled smoothly and jumped impeccably, led approaching 2 out, kept on well, readily; a return to 3m over Christmas awaits, connections having options at both Leopardstown and Kempton, and with further improvement in the offing he is sure to be hard to beat wherever he turns up; a hugely exciting prospect.

MONKSLAND (IRE) had his sights quickly raised following a successful chasing bow just 8 days previously and, boasting the best hurdles form in the field, wasted no time reaching a similar level over fences with the possibility of more to come, it encouraging he is taking his racing much better of late, though has to be considered unlikely to reverse placings with the winner should they meet again; waited with, blundered seventh, headway to chase leader approaching 2 out, untidy there, stuck to task, pulled clear of remainder.

FREE EXPRESSION (IRE) could be considered unlucky not to have made a winning chase debut at Punchestown and acquitted himself well in what was a good renewal of this Grade-1 prize, this a horse who remains with potential and won’t be long in getting off the mark in this sphere; mid-division, briefly met some trouble home turn, headway 2 out, one paced.

SUB LIEUTENANT (IRE) lacks the raw ability of the principals but, refitted with cheekpieces, was far from disgraced on his second chase start and will have little difficulty winning a maiden at the very least, a return to 3m – a trip he tried just once over hurdles – set to suit; prominent, lost place when not fluent 3 out, kept on again between last 2.

SHANTOU FLYER (IRE) faced his stiffest task over fences as he attempted to extend his winning run, but failed to give his running even so, his jumping lacking fluency, perhaps in need of a break having been on the go since the spring; pressed leader, untidy third, mistake eighth, not fluent 3 out, faded next.

CAPTAIN VON TRAPPE (IRE) is best not judged too harshly on this run, essentially outclassed when things began to develop, sure to win more races at a lower level over fences; led, headed approaching 2 out, weakened.

RIGHTDOWNTHEMIDDLE (IRE) has shown himself to be a useful chaser but was out of his depth in this company; in rear, untidy third, left behind 5 out.