Sir Erec and Klassical Dream cut for Cheltenham Festival success after Leopardstown Grade 1 victories
SIR EREC was shortened into the 5-2 favourite for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham after his impressive Leopardstown win.
Joseph O'Brien's four-year-old took the step up to Grade 1 level in his stride as he made every yard of the running to land the Spring Juvenile Hurdle.
Stablemate Gardens Of Babylon chased him home in second but there was only one horse in contention in the final stages as the 13-8 favourite Sir Erec sprinted clear.
O'Brien's winner was slashed from 6-1 for the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival into the 5-2 favourite. Stablemate Fakir Doudairies is second in the betting at 5-1.
Winning jockey Mark Walsh said: "He was good and he had to do it the hard way.
"I would have liked a lead, but he'll learn from it and hopefully he'll show up in Cheltenham in as good form.
"He's won on soft on the Flat as well, so he's versatile that way."
O'Brien confirmed Cheltenham is the likely next port of call for Sir Erec.
He said: "He jumped well today. Making the running wasn't ideal, but he's uncomplicated and Mark gave him a lovely ride.
"He got him into a great rhythm and he said he jumped on the bridle at the second last. He's hugely exciting.
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"He's two out of two (over hurdles) and while you would love to have more experience, he'll probably head to the Triumph Hurdle now."
Meanwhile Klassical Dream strengthened his Festival claims with a battling win in the following Grade 1 Novice Hurdle for trainer Willie Mullins.
Ruby Walsh caused a surprise when opting to ride Klassical Dream rather than Aramon and it looked like he had got it wrong at one stage as Aramon and Paul Townend made a late charge and went to the front.
But Walsh conjured up a fantastic final effort from Klassical Dream and it was enough to see him prevail by a head.
Gordon Elliott's Vision D'Honneur was kept wide throughout by Jack Kennedy and he eventually finished a well-beaten third.
Walsh said: "He was tough and he had to battle. He got the better of Gordon's horse and then Paul arrived on my outside and he kept me good and tight from the back of the last!
"Aramon was very good at Christmas, but I was hoping Klassical Dream would have improved since then.
"You are looking for a standout novice and I think on softer ground Klassical Dream would improve again."
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Mullins said: "I was delighted whichever horse won.
"Both ran fantastic and it was a matter of which jumped the last better. Ruby got the best jump, it was touch and go and it depended where the line was.
"Ruby's horse is very brave. Both will go to Cheltenham and I'm very happy to be first and second in a Grade 1 here.
"Both excellent riders, both with good mounts underneath them - proper racing."
Klassical Dream was cut into 8-1 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle with Aramon cut into 14-1 for the same contest.