Third G1 for Flemenstar

The outstanding Flemenstar (7g Flemensfirth-Different Dee, by Beau Sher) advertised his Cheltenham Gold Cup credentials at Punchestown on Sunday after bagging his third top-level success when winning the G1 John Durkan Chase. Peter Casey’s stable star was always in command in the 2m 4f contest as he strolled five lengths clear of Sir Des Champs and claim victory. “I’m delighted with that, and he’s still not ready! He’ll go to Leopardstown at Christmas and will get three miles. I’ve never had any doubt about him getting three miles,” Casey told irishracing.com. “We’ll have to see how he comes out of this race first. He’ll be entered for the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase as well as the Lexus. The Gold Cup is still the plan long term.” Bookmaker Ladbrokes make the Donal Barnwell-bred Flemenstar 4/1 favourite for the 2013 Cheltenham Gold Cup.