Alan Magee
Super sub Codd steers Ginto to easy Grade 2 win
Ginto and Jamie Codd jumping the last
© Photo Healy Racing
Jamie Codd proved an able replacement for Davy Russell as Ginto stamped his authority all over the Grade 2 Navan Novice Hurdle with a wide margin win.
The top amateur rider was called in as a last minute substitute after Russell was stood down with a sprained wrist following a heavy fall in the previous race.
The 11/8 favourite struck the front when heading the pace-setting Edison Kent after the third last and proceeded to draw clear approaching the final flight.
Market rival Eric Bloodaxe had no response at the business end as Ginto stormed 11 lengths clear at the line.
The Elliott-trained Mr Fred Rogers was a further six-and-a-half lengths back in third.
Elliott, who was completing a quick double, said: "That was great, he's the horse we thought he was. He's a big galloper.
“It was no race here the last day. From the second last to the line is what I loved today as he just galloped. He's a good horse.
“He'll get an entry for the race at Naas and we'll see. We'll have a chat with Noel and Valerie and see what they want to do.
“He's a chaser in the making.”
Betfair cut Ginto into 12/1 (from 25/1) for the Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle.
(GC & AM)