Three In A Row, right, closes on Downtherefordancin at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Three In A Row justified 11/5 favouritism in the novice handicap hurdle at Naas for JP McManus, Arthur Moore and Donagh Meyler.
Meyler delivered him in second at the last in their pursuit of Downtherefordancin and the front two soon separated themselves from the field on the run-in.
There was precious little between them entering the final furlong with Downtherefordancin clinging on to a narrow advantage, however, Three In A Row got his measure in the closing stages and kept on best for a hard-fought half-length success.
The runner-up was returned at 9/2 and was seven-lengths clear of Run For Harry (15/2).
Frank Berry, racing manager for McManus, said: “It was workmanlike, but he got the job done. He jumped well and got a good ride from Donagh.
“I thought he might have won here at the last meeting and was disappointed he didn’t get home a bit better, but he made up for it today.
“He might get another run before he goes out if the ground stays the way it is. He’ll jump a fence in time.”
This was Three In A Row's first victory at the seventh time of asking over flights.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
