Berbas 1 to look forward to for Connell team

The market was always going to be informative with four-year-olds returning to the fray off a break in the Grade 3 Text Your Bet To Paddy Power On 51465 Fishery Lane Hurdle at Naas. Many wanted to be with Gwencily Berbas and they were proved right as he maintained the excellent form of Barry Connell, Alan Fleming and Adrian Heskin with a win.

A Grade 2 scorer and ninth in the Fred Winter last term, 6/5 shot Gwencily Berbas had it to do on these terms with Petite Parisienne (evens), but he made the rest after being left in front by the fall of Hostile Fire at the first.

The victorious Nickname gelding asserted from before the last and a good leap there put the seal on things as he strode to an eight length success over Petite Parisienne.

"It was a lovely performance. He's a big chaser in the making - a lovely horse," said Fleming.

"Adrian said he would have no problem going up in trip and he was very impressed with him.

"I'm not sure where he'll go now. He's in the Hattons Grace and we'll see where he goes.

"He's a very exciting horse and has improved a good bit. He has filled into himself and will do the same into next year.

"He's one for the future over the big ones but he'll definitely stay hurdling this season.

"He had to do it the hard way there."

(GC & EM)