Bective Cave strolls home in Ballinrobe

Bective Cave was a facile eased-down winner of the extended two and a quarter mile handicap hurdle in Ballinrobe.

The 9/2 chance arrived on the back of a nine-length success at Down Royal last month and confirmed his rude health in Co Mayo.

He readily assumed the lead upon touching down three out and had his rivals off the bridle after the next.

The 11-year-old gelding nimbly jumped the last and Robbie Power could afford a look over his shoulder as they swept round the home bend.

He was well clear in the final furlong but was heavily eased-down to score by two and a half lengths for Matthew Smith. Yamato (25/1) kept on well in second without ever troubling the winner. He was five and a half lengths ahead of 10/3 favourite Youngnedofthehill

"The combination of a couple of things have come in his favour," Robbie Power said.

"Firstly, the races are being run to suit (strong pace) and, secondly, Matthew's horses are just in rude health."

Bective Cave has entries over fences in Warwick next week.

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy