Dazzling jumping display from Fakir to make it 2 for O'Brien

Fakir D’Oudairies put up a spectacular display of jumping to win the Grade 1 BARONERACING.COM Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse to bring up a double for Joseph O’Brien.

The four-year-old served notice that such a display could be in the offing when taking his beginners chase at Navan. He beat Champion Hurdle second placer Melon that afternoon last month. Samcro travelled up to the pace-setter with ominous ease going to two out.

However Fakir D’Oudairies produced again whilst Samcro crumpled badly giving Jack Kennedy no chance of staying aboard.

It was only a matter of clearing the last then for the Mark Walsh-ridden victor, given how far clear he was of the rest.

The son of Kapgarde did that with aplomb to defeat Ronald Pump by twenty two lengths. That supplemented runner’s chances were basically ended with a bad mistake four out and he did well to take the second for Matthew Smith afterwards. Cerberus (Robbie Power) had set the ball rolling for Joseph O’Brien in the opening Grade 3 juvenile hurdle.

Said O’Brien: “Mark gave him a lovely ride. He took it up down the back and he jumped from fence to fence. He really attacked his fences.

“It’s a pity Samcro didn’t stand up because it was looking like it was going to be a great race but I’m delighted with our horse. He has a fantastic aptitude for racing and every day he’s enthusiastic about his work and schooling. He’s a proper racehorse and we are very lucky to have him.

“He has plenty of options and we could go over two miles at Leopardstown or two and a half at Limerick. He probably will stay further in time.”

- - Ante-post betting news on Fakir D'Oudairies

Arkle

BoyleSports 7/1 (from 8/1), Paddy Power 6/1 (from 7/1), Betfair 4/1 (from 7/1)

JLT

BoyleSports 10/1 (from 14/1), Paddy Power 10/1 (from 12/1), Betfair 10/1 (from 12/1)

Samcro — BoyleSports 4/1 (from 6/1) for JLT, Betfair 13/2

(AM & EM)