Carbon King landed a gamble in the John Thomas McNamara Series (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle at Naas in the hands of Chris O'Donovan.

From 12/1 in the morning, his price contracted at all rates down to 9/4 favourite on the off.

He was guided into contention between the final two flights by O'Donovan and closed on new leader Mastermind at the last.

Both horses were less than fluent there but O'Donovan rode Carbon King to get the measure of Mastermind in the final 100 yards. The pair won going away by a snug three and a half lengths from the 10/1 runner-up.

There was a 10-length gap back to O Mio Babbino who was a head in front of fourth home Only One Plan (20/1).

O'Donovan said: “He landed on all fours after the last, but he picked up lovely.

“He’ll win away at that level. He probably wants a bit further but that’s up to Declan (Queally, trainer) and we are thrilled with today.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee