Notebook puts down Champion Chase marker at Naas

Alan Magee
November 21, 2020 1:57 pm

Beaten Arkle favourite returns to winning ways.

Notebook bounced back to winning form in the Grade Two Poplar Square Chase at Naas.

Henry de Bromhead’s charge was a dual Grade One winner last term, but he had disappointed when sent off the 5-2 favourite for the Arkle on his final start of last term, finishing a well-beaten sixth.

He looked to face a stern test on his return with Fakir D’oudairies and Cash Back, who chased him home in his two top-level victories, once again in opposition.

Notebook was a comfortable winner (Alan Magee/PA)

However, 11-10 favourite Cash Back sprinted to the first fence and crashed out, leaving outsider Djingle to set a strong gallop as Rachael Blackmore allowed Notebook (7-2) to get into his own rhythm at the back of the field.

Notebook and Fakir D’oudairies asserted their authority with two to jump, but Blackmore’s mount shaded the lead with a fine leap at the penultimate obstacle and strode away after the last to record a 12-length victory.

De Bromhead said: “He was a little bit rusty over the first few, but then jumped really well and stayed at it really well. It’s good to see him back to form.

Notebook & @rachaelblackmor return after winning the Poplar Square Chase @NaasRacecourse @HenrydeBromhead pic.twitter.com/J979GDSOOV
— Irishracing.com Live (@IrishRacing365) November 21, 2020

“I’d say he’ll go to Leopardstown at Christmas. He loves it around there and has won two Grade Ones there.

“Rachael said he took a blow at the fourth-last and hopefully he’ll come on for it. I’m delighted with him.”

Paddy Power and Betfair quoted Notebook at 20-1 from 33-1 for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Call My Lyreen following his Grade Two success (Alan Magee/PA)

Call Me Lyreen extended his winning run to three in the Old Persian At Glenview Stud Fishery Lane Hurdle – bringing up trainer Gordon Elliott’s 100th win of the season in the process.

Despite already registering victories at Tramore and Sligo, Call Me Lyreen was an 11-2 shot under Jack Kennedy with Gars En Noir the 11-10 market leader for Willie Mullins on his Irish debut.

The market leader was in the front rank throughout, but was beginning to toil at the top of the straight as Call My Lyreen moved through to challenge along with Wolf Prince.

That pair had it between them after jumping the penultimate flight, but Call Me Lyreen kept finding for pressure on the run to the line, eventually prevailing by a length and three-quarters.

Ton up for @gelliott_racing in Ireland this season 🇮🇪 💯
Call Me Lyreen remains unbeaten with success in the Grade 2 Old Persian At Glenview Stud Fishery Lane Hurdle at @NaasRacecourse 👏 pic.twitter.com/I2162bC4p1
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) November 21, 2020

Elliott, who was speaking away from the track, said: “He’s a lovely horse and is stepping forward all the time. We weren’t sure about the ground, but he coped with it well.

“He’ll have a little break and go for one of the novice hurdles at the Dublin Racing Festival.

“Keith (Donoghue) deserves a lot of credit as he’s done a lot of work with this horse at home.”

Call Me Lyreen provides us with our 100th Irish National Hunt winner of the season. Congratulations to winning connections and a big thank you to all my supportive owners and hard working staff. pic.twitter.com/Qk5G0ZkQgD
— Gordon Elliott (@gelliott_racing) November 21, 2020

Kennedy added: “We went a good gallop the whole way. He was a bit behind the bridle, but turning into the straight he came alive and I probably got there a bit soon on him.

“He’s a nice horse and hopefully he can keep improving. The ground was a question mark, but he handled it well.”

Betfair make Call Me Lyreen a 25-1 chance for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.