Pinot Gris cruises home in Bellewstown opener

Pinot Gris was a very warm order at 2/5 to account for his rivals in the opening maiden hurdle at Bellewstown and he dominated them off the front.

Gavin Cromwell 's charge was placed in two of his last three races over flights and appreciated the drying ground here.

Keith Donoghue sent him on from flagfall and he was far from extended in moving clear after two out. He cruised in from there for a very easy victory by 11 lengths. Leitzel finished second on hurdling debut at 14/1 and was a length and three-parts in front of Noel Meade's newcomer Tell Nobody Nothin who attracted support from 8/1 to 11/2.

Cromwell said: "Absolutely (kept it simple off the front) and cheekpieces helped him as well as he races a little bit lazily.

"A little bit nicer ground helped as well, it was very deep ground the last day (in Cork).

"I'm not saying he needs good ground, but deep winter ground is probably a little too much for him.

"It probably wasn't the greatest race and we won't get too excited, but it was nice for him to win."