Russell The Very Man as he doubles-up at Naas

After winning the previous contest on Cedarwood Road Davy Russell quickly doubled his tally on The Very Man in the Expert Air, The International Express Delivery Experts Maiden Hurdle.

Third, fourth and second on his last three starts, the Gordon Elliott trained victor certainly wasn't winning out of turn, stepping up in trip to two miles three for the first time this afternoon.

Sent off the clear 5/6 favourite, the son of Jeremy raced mainly in second and came to challenge the front-running Gold Des Bois (5s to 11/4 on-course) on the approach to the penultimate flight.

Soon in front, the Gigginstown House Stud owned winner (earlier on the mark with Cap York was ridden and asserted on the run-in, going on to prevail by three lengths from the aforementioned Gold Des Bois in second.

The front pair went seventeen lengths clear of the Noel Meade trained Pat's Pick (4/1) in third.

Ian 'Busty' Amond (assistant to Gordon Elliott who has already travelled over to Cheltenham), said: "I don't think there is anything wrong with his attitude, he was just one of those horses that was getting beat.

"It's nice that he’s got the job done and maybe that will give him a bit of confidence to go and win another few. He looks one for handicaps now.

"It's nice to get a winner going into Cheltenham. They are all running well but we've had a few finishing second and third, and Gordon is happy to get a winner on the board."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee