Dancing City states Festival claim with easy Naas verdict

Dancing City is as low as 7-2 favourite for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase following a taking win at Naas on Sunday.

The chestnut is trained by Willie Mullins and owned by Joe and Marie Donnelly, who were all enjoying a fruitful afternoon following the earlier success of Anzadam in the Limestone Lad Hurdle.

Dancing City was competing at the same Grade Three level on his second start over fences in the Finlay Ford At Naas Novice Chase, lining up as the 8-11 favourite having won on his first attempt at Punchestown last month.

He was ridden by Paul Townend in a field of five as he stepped up to a trip of three miles and a furlong for the first time on soft ground.

The eight-year-old was always in command and jumped well throughout to come home three and a half lengths to the good, subsequently being cut to 7-2 favourite with Coral for the Brown Advisory at the Cheltenham Festival, having been a 6-1 chance.

“Paul said he’s so settled, he’s exactly what you’d want for a three-mile chaser,” said Mullins.

“He gallops and jumps and only does what he’s asked to do.

“I was very pleased with the performance in what is very, very testing ground.

“He looks like one for the Brown Advisory.”

Stablemate Ballyburn had previously headed the market with Coral, but he was eased out to 4-1 from 3-1.