Flemen stars again

Flemenstar: Impressive in victory

Flemenstar put in a impeccable round of jumping to take his unbeaten run to four with an impressive performance in the Naas Directors Plate Novice Chase on Sunday.

Peter Casey's exciting seven-year-old outjumped his principal rival Bog Warrior, who had beaten him on his chasing debut at Navan in November.

Flemenstar has made giant strides since then, winning the Arkle Chase at Leopardstown, and completed a four-timer in the best possible manner.

He may only have had two rivals after the late defection of Rathlin, but Flemenstar stole the show with a superb display in the hands of Andrew Lynch.

Jumped To The Front

Bog Warrior took the trio along but Flemenstar jumped his way into the lead before six out and took lengths out of Tony Martin's charge at every obstacle.

So much so that Bog Warrior was a spent force before the final fence and trailed home last of three.

Frisco Depot tried to make a race of it but he was five and a half lengths behind the 10-11 joint-favourite without seriously challenging the imperious winner.

Casey said: "I was delighted with him and he didn't like the ground today - it was a bit sticky.

"That's it now until Easter and the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.

"He's improved a lot since he ran the first time against Bog Warrior.

"He took it up a bit early, but the way he was pulling Andrew let him go on. He jumped great today. Hopefully next year we'll be away to Cheltenham."