Prince Of Scars clears the last under Davy Russell© Photo Healy Racing
Prince Of Scars continued his upward progression as he ran out a good winner of the Grade 1 Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle.
Successful on his two starts since joining Gordon Elliott, the five-year-old son of Flemensfirth made it three from three today.
Available at 25/1 last night he opened on-course at just 12's before going off a 10/1 chance under Davy Russell (completing a double after earlier scoring on Zabana .
Settled in fourth he was left in third with over a circuit to race as the leader Snow Falcon crashed out.
He travelled best to lead on the outer as they approached the last and he kept on well on the run-in to score by four lengths. Alpha Des Obeaux made it a one, two for owners Gigginstown as he finished second under Bryan Cooper for Mouse Morris. Martello Tower was a further five and a half lengths back in third, while the 5/4 favourite Arctic Fire was a disappointing last, two lengths back, under Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins.
Gordon Elliott, who was completed an across the card double having won the opener at Limerick, said afterwards: "I thought he'd run well but didn't think he'd be good enough to beat them as he's still a big rakey horse.
"I'm delighted to get the win as we've hit the crossbar a few times over the last few days.
"He's a big massive horse and when he jumps a fence I'd say he'll come into his own. It's nice to pick that up on the way.
"I told Davy to follow them around and try and pick up a bit of prize-money. He's a big honest stayer.
"I actually won a bumper on the dam (Spirit Leader).
"He's a nice horse. I thought we would come here, run a nice race and then go to Gowran for the Galmoy. I don't know where we'll go now.
"I'm not sure if he'd be a stayers horse on ground a bit drier. I'd say he wouldn't want it on the better side of good. We'll think about it but we might save him for next year.
"Whatever he does he'll make a smashing chaser. When he came to me I was told to mind him and give him a couple of runs as he was a horse to go chasing."
Davy Russell added: "I was full of horse turning in and conditions suited. The extreme conditions were playing to his favour.
"We went a good gallop and he jumped well. You can beat an improving horse, he is on an upward curve and I'd say conditions are the key to him.
"In fairness to Gordon he was full of confidence. He was kind of worried that I didn’t really fancy him and he was telling me that this horse really does have a chance.
"He told me to take my time and let him warm into the race and he said once he warms up he will keep galloping. The more of a slog it is the better it will suit him.
"He has got an awkward head carriage but he is very genuine."
Paddy Power have introduced the winner at 14/1 for the World Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
