Oscar Sam another for favourite backers

Oscar Sam made it three winning favourites in a row at Punchestown as he took the honours in the two and a half mile handicap hurdle.

Jockey Robbie Power held a good position in fourth on the inner as he kept leader Forty Foot Tom well within his sights. Jansboy and Seriatim raced on his outside.

The pair improved a place, in the centre, at the third last as Seriatim came off the bridle and dropped back.

A good jump at the second last saw the 6/4 chance assume the lead from Forty Foot Tom. Jansboy and Letter Of Credit were the two horses driven to pursue him.

However, Oscar Sam pulled clear at the last. Woodford Island (7/1) motored home on the run-in to close to within two and a quarter lengths but he couldn't threaten the winner.

Letter Of Credit (10/1) and Jansboy (12/1) completed the placings in third and fourth respectively.

The winner was backed down from 11/4 this morning and 15/8 on opening show.

Robbie Power said: "He improved since Clonmel, he was bound to as it was his first run of the year. They went quick enough early on and he stays. I don't know how much of a race it was. Hopefully there's still a little bit more to come.

"He was travelling that well I let him stride on coming to the second last and the ground in the straight is maybe the heaviest. Maybe I went a shade too soon as he was tying up in the end but he did it well."

Jessica Harrington said: "He stays really well and we'll find another handicap for him over Christmas. They went a good gallop and he stayed going.

"His brother (Our Duke) runs at Navan (in a Listed bumper) next Sunday."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee