Smart Sunday Treble For Soldier Of Fortune

Grade 2 performer Liberty Dance (5m Soldier Of Fortune - Didn’t I Tell You, by Docksider) justified favouritism in the mares bumper at Naas to complete a Sunday treble for Soldier Of Fortune.

An impressive debut winner in December, the Gordon Elliott-trained bay was narrowly beaten in a Grade 2 bumper last time out and was reunited with Jamie Codd at Naas. Producing a challenge two furlongs from home, she was ridden to lead approaching the final furlong and scored by three lengths and three quarters on the line.

Owned by Tim O’Driscoll and bred by Mrs CE Norton, Liberty Dance hails from the family of Group 1 winner Pether’s Moon (Dylan Thomas).

Earlier on the card, stablemate Jack In The Box (5g Soldier Of Fortune - Ouro Preto, by Definite Article) took another step forward to land the maiden hurdle under Davy Russell.

Third and fourth on his two previous starts, he was sent off joint-favourite for the two mile and three furlong contest and chased the leaders for much of the way. Ridden before the penultimate flight, he led from the last and kept on strongly to win by three lengths.

Speaking after the race, Russell commented, “He’s a big raw horse and he has a lovely attitude.” Owned by Mrs John Magnier and Mrs DP Magnier, the €100,000 store purchase was bred by Seamus McKeogh.

At Pontchateau that afternoon, Greatless (6m Soldier Of Fortune - City Nebula, by Astarabad) made an impressive start to her chasing career for Gabriel Leenders.

Ridden patiently by Florian Besson, she made notable headway from four out and was ridden from the second last. Staying on well on the run-in, she drew clear to win by 12 lengths.

Twice a winner over hurdles, Greatless was bred by Ludovic Fleury, who owns the bay with Marie-Claire Kraska and Pauline Coudret.