John claims Craddockstown in style

Sizing John made it two from two over fences with a convincing win in the Ryans Cleaning Craddockstown Novice Chase at Punchestown.

Jonathan Burke had the 4/7 shot prominent throughout in the Grade 2 contest as he dueled for the lead with Lord Scoundrel

Henry de Bromhead's charge went a few lengths clear turning for home in the two-miler and galloped on strongly in the closing stages for an eight-length success.

The Midnight Legend gelding, a Grade 1 winner over hurdles, had also scored at the track on his chase debut last month.

"I'm delighted with that. It was a super ride by Johnny and he jumped great," said de Bromhead.

"That wouldn't be his preferred ground but it was good to see him working through and I'm very happy all in all.

"He lost the bit of company but Johnny said coming to the last he thought the race was over. He beat a good horse there and he won on heavy ground so we're happy.

"He'll get an entry now at Leopardstown at Christmas. That looks the natural progression. We'll see what we meet there — maybe some old foes.

"On that ground I'd be in no rush to step him up in trip. He's never done it but he does look like a horse that will go further.

"We'll see how things go at Christmas but if he's still in the Cheltenham reckoning he'll get an entry in both the Jewson and the Arkle."

Boylesports made the winner 12/1 from 16/1 for the Arkle while Betfair are now 10/1 from 14/1.