Dewcup off the mark over flights

Dewcup landed the odds in the extended two mile maiden hurdle at Punchestown in good style.

The 4/5 favourite made all under Mark Walsh and had closest pursuer Charcor scrubbed along turning in.

The five-year-old gelding increased the advantage and moved well clear jumping the last. He then strode in by nine lengths.

Main market rival Charcor (11/8) took the runner-up berth. Getabay completed the placings a further length and three quarter away at 15/2.

Ted Walsh said: “He couldn't do much more. I was worried about him in front as he's a bit cold jumping. He's a good leaper but you need someone like Mark on him to make up his mind and he jumped well.

“He won well. The next step now is a winners of one and all those horses that are after winning will be together, and then you'll know because if one horse kicks them out of the way he's going to beat all of them.

“If he's good enough to win a winners of one he'll go to the next step. We'll know the next day if he's a handicapper or up to a better grade.

“He's big enough to go and jump a fence and he's bred to get a trip as the dam was second in the Ascot Stakes for John Queally. Stamina shouldn't be a problem. He'll win plenty of races.

“He'll more than likely go to Listowel for something.”

Walsh's Dewcup was making his debut over flights having had plenty of experience in bumpers where he gained two victories and was fourth in a Grade 2 at Aintree. He had also finished second in a pair of staying maidens on the Flat.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson