Add Emery to the list of classy Mullins chasers

LAST Saturday’s Naas card produced fewer fireworks than Navan, but there were still a few performances worth noting.

Surin (138) was the top-performing hurdler at Naas, always in the vanguard before showing a good attitude to fend off some stronger travelling types in behind in the Grade 3 Fishery Lane. She’d previously looked laboured over the intermediate trip and, while her stride and the visual impression she creates suggests she’ll ultimately be better over farther, she looked comfortable enough at the minimum here.

Tiger Tap Tap in behind was better than the bare result. He moved into the contest going best but made a shuddering error two from home that put paid to his effort.

The returning Blackbow (134) put in a perfectly honest effort on his first hurdles start, attempting to make all at a good gallop but grabbed late on by Embittered (135). A chasing type and probable stayer, Blackbow was pressed for the lead by eventual fourth, Cavalry Master, which perhaps caused him to make his effort a little prematurely.

Given these obstacles, nor the trip, were really his bag, this can be considered a highly promising return to action.

Over the larger obstacles, former Arkle antepost favourite Cilaos Emery (157) made a smooth return to action. A strong pace, but some good closing sectionals, the Mullins charge easily dispatched a Grade 1 winner in the form of Ornua (153) who was carrying a penalty for that success.

Closutton looks mob-handed for the Champion Chase division with the likes of Douvan, Min and Chacun Pour Soi all potentially going to run over this trip. Cilaos Emery is worthy of being mentioned in the same breath.