Kalanisi Flash off the mark over hurdles

The Road Stud Installations Maiden Hurdle produced a good scrap up the hill with Kalanisi Flash (13/2) hitting the front close home to defeat odds-on favourite The Big Stage by a neck. 

Ben Harvey did the steering on the Damian Lavelle-owned gelding who is trained by John McConnell.

The latter said: "That's why we put him away at the end of last year (to wait for better ground). 

"He had been in good form at home. Obviously, I thought we might have been running for second or third today, but he has run well. 

"He is probably going to be a chaser really. We'll see what we do with him, he might have a run in a novice hurdle. He'll be going chasing as well. 

"He stays well so we didn't want to let it turn into a sprint. At the same time, he doesn't do much when he hits the front and he didn't do much there. 

"It was a good ride and the horse came up for him when he needed him."  

On Alex Harvey turning conditional recently (winner on Monday), he added: "Pretty much yes (based with him). Himself, Ben (Harvey) and Dylan Kidd are all with me and are all good lads. 

"Alex will fly I'm sure, he'll get opportunities with me. People will see what he can do as well. He and Dylan are very good value for their 7lb."

Quotes from Michael Graham