Kalix Delabarriere displays a smart turn of foot

The French-bred Kalix Delabarriere quickly made an impression on Willie Mullins in the bumper at Ballinrobe.

A furlong and a half from home, Patrick Mullins handed the 4/5 favourite the upper hand and left his competitors trailing him as he entered the straight. To her credit, Seo Linn made an effort to pursue him, but by the time she reached the last furlong, the leader had closed the gap by two and a quarter lengths.

Although Seo Linn, a rookie, lost out in second place at 11/4, Paddy Twomey has enough of material. Third place was another two and a half lengths behind San Franco (14/1 - 8/1).

Jockey Mullins said: "He was doing everything right at home. He's by a great stallion in Galiway and has a lovely pedigree. We didn't get him to Punchestown for the Land Rover (Bumper), but we were more than happy to come to Ballinrobe. Mystical Power won this race last year and we're not afraid to bring a good horse up here. We might let him off, we'll see what Willie says, but he's been in training all winter so might just benefit from a break. I think there's a lot of improvement, mentally, in him and he's a horse with a big future."