Dunguib shows class in Deloitte

Dunguib gave an extraordinary display of class in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown despite some untidy jumping in the Grade One contest.

Settled in rear by Brian O'Connell the star novice wasn't fluent at a few of his flights but still moved effortlessly into contention in the straight.

He sauntered upsides Fionnegas at the last and didn't have to come out of third gear to record a stunning two-and-a-half length victory.

"A t least he got the job done but his jumping wasn't as good as it has been," said trainer Philip Fenton.

"He was careless at a lot of them and the last hurdle was his best. He travels with enormous ease but even had me a little worried down the back.

"Even two out he was a bit sloppy but he just seems to cruise. Whether it's good ground or testing he just seems to deal with it.

"We've done plenty of schooling with him and on the whole I'm happy with his jumping. But he was very careless today.

"Today was about getting him relaxed and not tanking. The aim was to get him settled but maybe he was too relaxed and lackadaisical.

"I'm happy he got an easy race, as he's not an over robust horse, and the last thing we wanted was a tough race. He'll have an easy two weeks now.

"We schooled him during the week over nine hurdles and he was excellent. It wouldn't do at Cheltenham if he jumped like that and he'll have to improve."

The winner is now generally an odds-on shot for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

William Hill go 4/5 from 5/4 while Paddy Power are now 5/6 from evens.