JP McManus's day may have begun with ominous silence but it ended with the bookmakers shouting the odds for two potential McManus Cheltenham specials.
Le Coudray missed out on his intended chasing debut at Navan after being found to be off his feed in the morning. "That is out of character for him. Usually he's shouting his head off for more," said trainer Christy Roche, who then had to make a decision about whether or not to give a hurdling debut to Like-A-Butterfly.
It wasn't an easy decision but the top bumper mare eased the nerves with a sauntering victory under Charlie Swan that keeps her at the head of Cashman's Supreme Novices' Hurdle market at 8 to 1.
"At the moment I'm guessing with the horses so I'm very relieved about that," Roche said. "The Royal Bond at Fairyhouse is an obvious race for her. I was worried about her jumping, because she isn't a natural, but she did it well."
Certainly well enough for her owner to describe the winner as "exciting" and McManus added: "It's a relief. I don't think the trip matters to her and I thought she was good when getting in short."
Long term, it may be that the shorter festival option will be the one for Like-A-Butterfly because Over the Bar earned a 10 to 1 quote for the SunAlliance following a smooth defeat of Spirit Leader in the Monksfield Hurdle.
The favourite, Woodys Blue Lagoon, faded quickly in the Grade Three race and Over The Bar, who had travelled smoothly throughout, had far too many gears after the last. However, he did cross the placed horses and Charlie Swan was severely cautioned by the stewards.
"He has been working nicely with Ned Kelly and I'm delighted he jumped as well as he has. Although he might like a longer trip, we will consider the Royal Bond," said Edward O'Grady.
The trainer reported Ned Kelly as "fresh as paint" following his surprise defeat on Saturday and was keen to defend the ride Norman Williamson gave to the Champion Hurdle contender.
"There were some who felt he hit the front too soon but I'm sympathetic to the plight he had. I feel the horse blew up after the last," said O'Grady who will aim Ned Kelly at the Hatton's Grace.
The McManus colours were also successful in the bumper with the Swan-trained Heroic just edging out Cherry Hunter in the dying strides.
Macs Gildoran is another who could run next at Fairyhouse following an impressive chasing debut. "The first thing that comes to mind for him is the Drinmore," said Willie Mullins, whose horse put 14 easy lengths between himself and Minella Hotel.
Lyreen Wonder and Barry Cash picked up the Pierse Troytown Handicap Chase for the second year running, taking a decisive advantage before the straight and hanging on grimly from the favourite Over The Furze.
"If the ground is very soft, he could go to Cheltenham for the Tripleprint. We may look at the Welsh National too," said Arthur Moore.
