Mystical Power dominates Moscow Flyer race, emerges as top pick for Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

Sky Bet has cut the odds on the son of Galileo and Annie Power to 9-2 joint-favourite for the Cheltenham Festival after an impressive victory. Trainer Willie Mullins’ decision to come to Punchestown instead of the rescheduled Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle suggests a strategic move, as he has previously won this Grade 2 race with successful Cheltenham Festival novices. The horse, Mystical Power, showed a turn of foot to beat Jigoro by seven lengths, although his jumping and inexperience were evident at times. Nonetheless, once asked to pick up the pace by jockey Mark Walsh, he accelerated and surpassed his main rival. Mystical Power’s owner, JP McManus, also enjoyed success with another horse, Spillane’s Tower, winning the Grade 3 novice chase.

Assistant trainer David Casey expressed his delight with Mystical Power’s performance. He commented that the horse performs better on the track than in training and seemed to handle the soft ground well. Having had a break after his runs in spring and summer, Mystical Power showed improvement according to Walsh. Casey added that at present, there is no need to extend the horse’s distance beyond two miles. However, they may consider running him at the Dublin Racing Festival.