Jezki completed a significant hat-trick in an exciting renewal of the Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Champagne Fever, last season's Cheltenham Champion Bumper hero, attempted to make all the running under Ruby Walsh, and still held an advantage after the last flight.

But the Jessica Harrington-trained Jezki (9-4) looked to be travelling strongly and showed plenty of fight on the run-in to take the two-mile Grade One contest by a length and a half in the hands of Barry Geraghty.

The well-regarded Minsk had every chance, but finished fourth. Zuzka, by contrast, stayed on stoutly to take third spot.

Geraghty said: "We were hoping he'd do that - he showed great pace at Naas. He was very good, although I think he is better than that. There's a lot to like about him."

Harrington added: "I'm absolutely thrilled, it all went to plan. Barry said that's what he was going to do - sit in behind the others. When he gave him a squeeze three out he knew he had a lot of horse. He was straight and true where it mattered and when they were going a bit quicker he concentrated more.

"The Supreme Novices' is the long-term target as he's a two-miler. We'll have to discuss plans with the owner, but he'll have at least one more run before Cheltenham. He could easily run at Christmas (if the ground is good) and after that I don't know. He's only four and he's bound to improve a bit for more experience.

"I was a little bit worried about going right-handed for the first time as all his runs have been left-handed. He's always wanted better ground. The whole family want it on top and I'd imagine he'll be better on better ground too."

Owner Rich Ricci said of runner-up Champagne Fever: "He needs further - we were right in thinking that. He ran a good race - beaten by a good horse, probably the only real two-miler in the line-up. We'll learn from this and probably stretch him up in distance. It's what we do in March that counts."

Jezki, who had won his last two races at Naas, was unsurprisingly cut in price for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, for which he is now as low as 8-1.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests