Faugheen’s victory in the Flogas was a fantastic moment; the jubilant scenes at Leopardstown will live forever in the memory of those lucky enough to be in attendance. His legendary status has been well and truly secured regardless of what happens from here on out.
When you witness a performance of such magnitude, the achievements of the placed horses can almost fall into “also-ran” territory.
However, the run of EASY GAME really caught my eye.
On just his second start over fences, this was a superb effort. Held up for most of the race, he made smooth headway to track the leaders approaching 3 out. Approaching the final fence, he was the only one capable of going with Faugheen; the latter edged to a 2-length lead on the run in but Easy Game stayed on in determined fashion, ultimately going down by half a length.
This performance followed what could’ve previously been considered a fluke victory over his stablemate, Allaho. It’s worth noting that Easy Game had the advantage of a previous run which holds increased significance given the way that Willie’s have improved for their first run this season. Regardless, it was an impressive chase debut and the form of that run was comprehensively franked when Allaho bolted up on his next start.
Interestingly, Easy Game’s run in the Flogas earned him an RPR of 160 – higher than both Cash Back and Notebook. The Irish handicapper was also impressed, awarding him with an opening chase mark of 154 – the 6th highest rating of any novice chaser on the Emerald Isle.
After proving himself in graded company over fences, all roads lead to the Cheltenham Festival. He’s entered in all three novice races but the Marsh and the RSA are the only realistic targets.
He’s a shorter price for the Marsh (12/1) which is understandable given that he’s never raced beyond 2m5f. Sent off at just 7/1 for last seasons Ballymore, he’s not short of pace and he’s illustrated a good turn of foot on his two chase starts to date.
Willie Mullins is the most successful trainer in the history of the race; with four wins since its inception in 2011. However, none of those Marsh/JLT winners ran in the Flogas which is seen as more of a trial for the RSA.
The RSA has also been kind to Colonel of Closutton; he’s the most successful current trainer with four victories in the race. Florida Pearl (1998) and Cooldine (2009) both completed the Flogas/RSA double, while Rule Supreme and Don Poli took different routes on the road to victory in 2004 & 2015 respectively. Following the Cooldine’s victory in 2009, three of the next four RSA winners would have their prep run in the Flogas: Weapon’s Amnesty (2nd), Boston’s Angel (1st) & Lord Windermere (3rd).
Easy Game can be backed at 20/1 for the RSA or you can get 16/1 NRNB. While he’s unproven at the trip, he was strong at the finish on both his starts over 2m5f this season so he would be very interesting were he to go down this route.
Willie has a plethora of options for both the Marsh and the RSA at this stage; Allaho, Faugheen & Easy Game could feasibly run in either while Melon must also be considered for the Marsh having failed to bear fruit in the Irish Arkle. Willie Mullins bingo is alive and well in 2020.
Wherever Easy Game turns up, he could well be one that sneaks under the radar. He lacks the lofty reputation that many of his stable mates possess but his form is undeniably solid. He’s certainly one to consider in March.
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