Progressive Charm claims big pot

Davids Charm continued on a steep upward curve when landing a nice pot for John Joe Walsh in the Bar One Racing Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The Milan gelding opened his account off a mark of 95 at Listowel back in June and was taking today's €100,000 contest from a rating of 134.

He had just found the smart mare Lagostovegas too good when last seen back at Listowel in late September.

Rachael Blackmore produced him to lead going to the second last in the two-and-a-half miler and he looked in control going to the final flight.

He soon overcame a slightly slow jump at the last and despite drifting left on the run-in stayed on strongly to record a two-and-three-quarter length win over Meri Devie

Long-time leader Yaha Fizz dead-heated for the third spot with She's A Star in a bunch finish for the minor money.

Walsh said, “The first race that he won (at Listowel) he nearly turned back, and the next day he won at Galway he nearly forgot to take the bend into the straight. At Listowel the last day he didn’t get the clearest of runs and he should have won there as well.

“We were worried about the ground and Rachael said the same thing. Hopefully he’ll progress away. The handicapper may not be too nice to him and he may have to go novice hurdling now. We may not do much with him until the ground gets a bit better again.”

(GC & AM)