Oscar in Quick Follow-Up

Liscarton Oscar (2s into 13/8), who got a 9Ib hike in the ratings for his success at Naas last Saturday, turned out quickly in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle under a mandatory 6Ib penalty, and he didn't disappoint as market-leader, coming from off the pace to score by a length and three quarters under Mark Bolger. Alexander Mobile was still there with some sort of chance when unseating rider at the last. However Liscarton Oscar was in full flow at that stage and prevailed in good style.

Winning trainer, Christy Donoghue said: "We took a bit of a chance coming here. He is not a bad horse and I think he is improving. Punchestown would be on our minds for him now and I wouldn't like to ever run him back again as quick as that."

The well-backed, Bar The Rest (16s in the morning into 13/2) finished fourth. (EM)