Colonel Braxton, runner-up to Beef Or Salmon in the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown last month, went one better when dropping back in distance at Fairyhouse this afternoon.
Dessie Hughes` charge was sent off the 7/4 second favourite in the seven runner Normans Grove Chase (2m1f) and, despite losing considerable ground throughout by jumping left, stayed on strongly in the straight under Kieran Kelly to beat Go Roger Go by two lengths. The 13/8 favourite Knife Edge was always up with the pace, but could find no extra from the last to finish a further length adrift in third.
Hughes explained the erratic jumping saying, `He didn`t like being in front, and needs a lead. He didn`t have much of a race there, and that will freshen him up for the Hennessy.`
The eight-year-old gelding is a 20/1 chance for the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup with Ladbrokes, Sean Graham and Cashmans.
Kelly, who partnered a treble at Punchestown yesterday, also teamed up with Hughes to take a share of the spoils with Liscannor Lad in the opening five-year-olds maiden hurdle. The well-backed evens favourite dead-heated with Emmet, ridden by Timmy Murphy who was deputising for the injured Norman Williamson. The latter severely bruised an ankle in a fall at Kempton yesterday, and is likely to be sidelined for a few days.
Alan Magee
