EMMETT Mullins asked Corbetts Cross (158+) to display versatility on his stable debut at Naas last Sunday and it proved a task the recent recruit was equal to in producing a career best performance on the clock to win the Johnstown Novice Hurdle.

The gallop was strong from flag fall as Jackpot De Choisel attempted to repeat the front-running tactics which yielded victory at Ayr although, with Found A Fifty (148) eager to go faster still, Jordan Gainford allowed Gordon Elliott’s gelding his head as the partnership assumed the lead.

The outcome was a race time of 6.5secs quicker than Little Mix Up (112), who was best of the rest of the two-mile hurdle winners, as the pace built throughout the Grade 2 contest and was maintained all the way to the race conclusion by the first two home.

It will come as no surprise to read the winner added the best final circuit and closing sectional to his list of achievements.

In covering the ground from the third last hurdle in 57.4secs, Corbetts Cross was 1.4secs (seven lengths) and 1.6sec (eight lengths) quicker than Bialystok and Little Mix Up respectively.

The final circuit advantage over Bialystok (85) widened slightly to 1.9secs, which clarifies just how pedestrian the early exchanges of the maiden hurdle were as the race time difference was a massive 15.6secs.

Tactical ride

The superiority over Denis Hogan’s winner stretched to 4.6secs, indicating a good tactical ride from Donagh Meyler as he slowed the pace of the handicap in the back straight, enabling his mount to finish off strongly.

Corbetts Cross has shortened considerably in the betting for the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham given it is his sole entry, although his trainer was not willing to commit to it being the target for his six-year-old when interviewed post-race.

Rebel Gold (160) made the transition from handicapper to Grade 3 winner with an exemplary round of jumping, which also featured the tenacity of a lion in the last 100 yards to hold the late challenge of the typically strong travelling Coeur Sublime (160).

A much swifter time figure when adjusted for distance than Limerick Lace (128+) was confirmed by the final circuit analysis as the 10-year-old covered to final lap of the Co. Kildare track 0.9secs quicker than the J.P. McManus-owned mare, despite her finishing quicker off a slower pace.

Pat Foley nominated the Grade 2 Devenish Chase at Fairyhouse as the likely next target for his gelding, while Henry de Bromhead’s runner-up has the choice of two engagements at Cheltenham. A repeat of this performance would see the eight-year-old competitive in the Grand Annual.

There was also encouragement in the performance of the talented, if enigmatic, Battleoverdoyen (155).

The son of Doyen would be an attractive betting proposition back in handicap company over half a mile further.

Great maturity

Aidan Kelly displayed great maturity aboard Limerick Lace, allowing the Gavin Cromwell-trained mare as easy a time as was possible in the handicap under top-weight.

Her rider only demanded maximum effort when required which saw the talented six-year-old deliver a speedy finish, completing her race from the third last fence in 62.7secs; 1.6secs (eight lengths) quicker than Rebel Gold.

The daughter of Walk In The Park looks well up to competing at a higher grade and will have her opportunities at either Fairyhouse or Punchestown.