Private purchase A Plus Tard produced a performance worthy of the legendary four-time Betfair Chase winner Kauto Star as he plundered the opening Grade 1 of the British season.
Such was A Plus Tard’s superiority in demolishing his rivals by 22 lengths, he was cut to 7-2 favourite (from 7) for the Cheltenham Gold Cup by Paddy Power and Betfair.
Ridden with supreme confidence by Rachael Blackmore, A Plus Tard settled well off the early pace set by Bristol De Mai and Royale Pagaille and was still cantering in behind as the race really began with four to jump.
Bristol De Mai, a three-times race winner, was the first to really give way, with A Plus Tard making effortless ground to come upsides Royale Pagaille and assume control with the minimum of fuss.
Blackmore barely had to move as A Plus Tard kicked on approaching the second-last, clearing the final obstacle in style to coast home by 22 lengths from Royale Pagaille.
After the race trainer De Bromhead said,
“He’s won a Grade One over two (miles) and a couple of Grade Ones over three. He’s still only seven, so fingers crossed he’s got a long career ahead of him.
“He’s achieved a hell of a lot for a horse of his age. He’d been working really well and everyone was very happy with him.
“There’s a great crowd here and we always get a great reception.”
A Plus Tard is now set to tread a familiar route to the Cheltenham Festival, with The Savills Chase at Leopardstown the next port of call.
