Flemenstar made a superb seasonal reappearance with an impressive victory in the Irish Form Book Fortria Chase at Navan.

Coming back to two miles on his first outing since winning the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse in early April, Peter Casey's seven-year-old was sent straight to the lead by Andrew Lynch and produced some brilliant leaps to maintain control of the race.

He was tracked into the straight by Foildubh and Big Zeb, the latter searching for a fourth consecutive win in this Grade Two prize, but 10-11 favourite Flemenstar saw them off with ease, beating Big Zeb by seven lengths.

Casey had insisted all week his pride and joy was not fully wound up for his comeback run and he remained of that opinion after the event.

The trainer said: "When he is fit he'll be a good one! He will go for the John Durkan now at Punchestown (December 9).

"He has got stronger since last year, but he was only 80% fit today. He got beat here the last two years but I slept well last night, I wasn't worried about him. Andrew knows him well. There is no use in telling him what to do.

"After he goes over two and a half in the Durkan we will think about running him over three miles. He should get three miles on breeding."

The gelding enjoyed an exceptional novice campaign over fences last season, building on a promising second to Bog Warrior with five consecutive wins, and Coral have cut him to 7-1 from 9-1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Stan James took a different view, easing Flemenstar to 10-1 for the Gold Cup but shortening him to 5-1 favourite for the Ryanair Chase.

The firm's Joseph Burke said: "We're not saying that he cannot stay, merely that we feel 10-1 is fair for a horse that has yet to prove himself over any further than two and a half miles."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests