Bottler'secret and Sean Flanagan (nearest) claim Pacini© Photo Healy Racing
Bottler'secret pulled clear in fine style on the run-in to post an impressive win on his jumping debut in the opening Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle at Naas.
The Dragon Pulse gelding, a dual winner on the Flat last season, was a well supported 6/5 favourite in the Grade 3 contest on his first outing for trainer Gavin Cromwell.
Sean Flanagan sat behind the leaders on his mount before asking him to challenge two from home.
A brief shake of the reins saw him soon hit the front and he travelled best in the lead down to the final flight.
Flanagan asked his mount to stretch on the run-in and he was going away at the line for an easy 11-length success over Pacini
Cromwell said:- “He’s a nice horse. It might not have been the greatest renewal of a Grade 3 but for his first day he jumped well.
“He was a little bit big and slow early on but the further he went the better he got.
“It would have been nice if we’d got more experience into him. I thought we’re getting on in the year and we’d pitch him in at the deep end. If he didn’t win he’d be a novice next year.
“He’s in the Triumph but I don’t know if he’ll go there. If he had a bit more experience he would but it is what it is at this stage.
“There are plenty of options at Fairyhouse, Aintree and Punchestown.”
Paddy Power made the winner a 12/1 shot (n.r.m.b.) for the Triumph Hurdle having previously been 20/1. Betfair go the same price.
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
