Andy Holding gives his thoughts the performances of Lulamba, Kopek Des Bordes among others who ran on Monday.
The carry over of Saturday's Navan card turned to be what is usually an ordinary Monday into an above average afternoon's action and add into the mix Lulumba's chase debut and we had many talking points moving forward.
Lulumba arguably produced the performance of the day in landing the beginners' chase at Exeter and although he may not have satisfied some observers in all departments - which is often the case with such a high profile horse - there was still many things to admire about his first dalliance with fences.
Admittedly four of the 12 fences were omitted due to the low sun down the back straight but he negotiated the rest in pretty tidy fashion and the way he quickened away from his useful rivals without being extended was a sign of pure class.
Likely to head to the Sandown for his next assignment, the railway fences will provide him with a proper workout in the jumping department and on this early evidence, it will take a good one to lower his colours with a clear round.
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It was a case of 'over to you' as far as Kopek De Bordes was concerned at Navan and, similar to his UK counterpart, it was difficult to fault his first spin over the larger obstacles. A shade keen early meant Willie Mullins' inmate was a little cautious until allowed to stride forward down the back straight and from that juncture he soon warmed to the task. Winning with any amount in hand, it already looks a straight fight between him and Lulumba who will end up as Arkle favourite heading into Cheltenham and only a step up in trip from the latter's connections can deny what would be a mouth-watering clash at the Festival in March.
As for the rest of the card, I'll Sort That displayed admiral battling qualities to regain the lead close home after handing the advantage to Theflyingking in The Grade 3 For Auction Novices' Hurdle and he continues his rise through the ranks for his improving operation.
The Yellow Clay was strongly fancied to begin his season in the best possible fashion in the Lismullen Hurdle but he ultimately proved disappointing as Colonel Mustard won the war of attrition from the last. It will be dangerous to write off Gordon Elliott's inmate just yet but he will have to improve significantly if he is to make up into a live Stayers Hurdle contender.
The Fortria Chase gathered a small but select field and Found A Fifty took advantage of a monumental blunder by Dinoblue to land the prize for the second time. Likely to fall short at Grade 1 level, the winner should, however, continue to thrive in similar events throughout the season, while the runner-up did amazingly well to make any kind of race of it in the circumstances. She can bounce back next time.
