Boston Bob got up in the very last stride to win a thrilling race for the Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase at Leopardstown.

Willie Mullins' highly regarded eight-year-old looked beaten when he dropped back to fourth after tracking the pacesetting Lyreen Legend, but he rallied in amazing fashion on the run to the line.

Paul Carberry appeared to have brought Texas Jack with a perfectly timed run and though he got the better of Lord Windermere and Lyreen Legend, he simply had no answer to the late dash of Paul Townend on the 6-4 favourite.

Mullins said: "Once Paul dropped him back and gave him a breather he flew home and we're very pleased with him. It was a very brave performance from the horse and we changed tactics from Navan, where he jumped very big and carefully.

"The drier ground at Cheltenham will be a huge help and I think he'll improve through the spring and on to Punchestown.

"In my head I was thinking of the Jewson (at Cheltenham) for him, but there is four or five weeks to go and certainly if it was soft I wouldn't mind going for the Jewson, but it does look like he wants a longer trip.

"I'm not sure he's yet back to his best form from last year, but he is coming back. He didn't come back in (from the summer) in the same type of form and never worked as well this year - especially when he won here last year; we haven't seen him in that type of form since.

"Hopefully the better ground will make the difference and the way he jumps, he has every chance of being as good over fences."

Paddy Power left Boston Bob unchanged at 11-2 for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham, while Boylesports cut him to 5-1 from 6s for the same race. Stan James went 4-1 (from 6s).

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