Three from three for Connell as Balkito strikes

A better leap at the last made the difference after an extended three miles in the amateur handicap chase at Thurles as Balkito gave in-form trainer Barry Connell a third winner in three days.

The race boiled down to a duel between the eventual winner and Johngus from the third last fence.

Johngus appeared to have the edge as he travelled better down to the last but a difference of opinion between horse and jockey resulted in an error at the fence.

12/1 shot Balkito grabbed his opportunity, getting to the front for Jack Hendrick and staying on well late on to record a seven length success.

The winner, a faller at Naas last time, was leaving his recent form well behind and had attracted support from 50/1 this morning.

"He has been dropped into his class there and the last day he was just going a stride too quick over 2m5f on better ground at Naas,” said Connell.

"Chasing was always going to be his game with the size of him and Jack gave him a great ride and got him into a great rhythm. The horse's only mistake woke him up a bit.

"Jack won a point to point on My Immortal (yesterday's winner) and I was looking for someone to claim 7lb. That's his first ride for me but I knew he was one of the better claiming lads and that's his first winner over fences although he has 31 point to point winners ridden.

"If the handicapper isn't too hard on him he could win again but longer term he is probably a horse for England - you could see him having a career in the north of England.

"We were waiting for soft ground for our horses all along and didn't run much but as it turns out we have eight runners this week. This was a pleasant surprise but hopefully they will all keep going."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)