Vegas comes up trumps at Naas

Lagostovegas gave a further boost to the form of Triumph Hurdle favourite Ivanovich Gorbatov when taking the Book Hospitality On Line Maiden Hurdle at Naas.

The Harry Kelly-trained filly, placed on all three previous outings over hurdles, was third to the Triumph favourite at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting and is now the third subsequent winner to come out of that race.

Sean Flanagan ’s mount tracked the pace-setting Newberry New and the pair were clear approaching the straight, with Lagostovegas taking over at the second last.

The well-backed 11/10 favourite soon asserted, and stayed on really well to score by an easy seven and a half lengths. King Of Aragon was a further nine lengths back in third.

Kelly said, “Thank god for that, and she did it like a favourite should. Her form is good and she is improving. She's so big and is only filling into her frame. We haven't forced her at home and every race she has learned a little.

“If you'd asked me in August if it would have taken this long to win one I'd have laughed at you. She's one of our better ones and it's good to get that out of the way.

“We'll consider the Fred Winter and the new mares race at Cheltenham for her but we want to mind her.

“We'll see how she comes out of this race but she is thriving on racing. She learnt a lot at Leopardstown. She settled and switched off there because otherwise she's a bit of a lunatic.”

Flanagan said, “She’s been very backward all along. Her hurdle runs have been good but always very green. Her form has been working out all along.

“We went a good gallop early and everything went to plan. She has been quite keen but settled well. She jumped brilliantly all the way.”

(GC & AM)