Michael O'Brien and Tom Rudd teamed up for a double at Naas on Saturday, with Knife Edge landing the featured Woodlands Park 100 Poplar Square Chase.
The two miles event was run at a sedate pace, with the 5/4 favourite finishing well on the stands side to beat the front-running Shannon Gale by half a length. Killultagh Storm was a length back in third, with Gold Cup hope Rince Ri making a promising reappearance the same distance back in fourth.
'He likes to have his races close together, and has sharpened up alot since the run in Down Royal a fortnight ago. He travelled better today, and quickened up when Tom asked him to,' said O'Brien. 'He may go for the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown next month.'
Goss, who also carries the colours of J P McManus, completed the double for connections half an hour later in the Ardmore Blood Booster Hurdle. The 4/5 chance led four out in another slowly run affair to beat Executive Ben by a very comfortable four and a half lengths.
'He really needs to be dropped in, and switch off. He will be much better in a fast run race on good ground,' said O'Brien, who was accompanied by Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy.
Paul Carberry had mixed fortunes on the afternoon, partnering a 24/1 double aboard Pietro Vannucci and Glens Music, but also picking up a leg injury.
Pietro Vannucci led two out, and stayed on well to beat Fair Dinkum by seven lengths in the opening INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle. 'I couldn't believe how badly he jumped at Fairyhouse last month, but I think he got a fright there at the second hurdle,' said trainer Noel Meade before adding, 'He's lazy but stays well, and will probably go next for the Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial Novice Hurdle at Navan (December 15).'
Al O'Connell has the valuable Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown in January in mind for Glens Music after the eight-year-old mare justified favouritism in the Weatherbys Ireland Insurance Services Handicap Hurdle.
However Carberry took a fall in between from Eternal Night in the EBF Beginners Chase, and subsequently stood himself down for the remainder of the day having been kicked on his right knee.
Alan Magee
