Russian appreciates step up in trip

Russian Roulette got off the mark on his twelfth career start as he ran out a comfortable winner of the TipperaryRaces.ie Handicap, scoring under Fran Berry for Charles O'Brien and JP McManus.

Having mixed it between the flat and hurdles the four-year-old son of Peintre Celebre was fifth to Rockview Emperor on his last start at Gowran in April.

That run was over a mile and one and stepped up to a mile and a half today he was sent off a 5/1 chance (from 6's on-course).

Settled behind the leaders he was ridden to challenge entering the straight and hit the front inside the final 150 yards, keeping on well from there to score by two and a half lengths. Lagostovegas kept on well to take second at 4/1 under Conor Hoban for Harry Kelly while the 11/4 favourite (from 10/3) Mr Boss Man was a further half a length back in third under Declan McDonogh for Adrian McGuinness.

Charles O'Brien said afterwards: "He is still only a child but last year was clueless!

"He is almost 17hh and his run at Gowran the last day was the first time he had ever shown any spark.

"I was hoping he would improve with the step up in trip and he can step up again and should have no problem staying a mile and six.

"He just got away with today's ground."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes