Blow gains workmanlike odds-on win Blow By Blow gave odds on punters some anxious moments before eventually taking the John Lynch Carpets Maiden Hurdle at Navan. The Robin Des Champs gelding won three bumpers for Willie Mullins before a lengthy spell on the sidelines and was sent over hurdles this winter by Gordon Elliott. The six-year-old was placed twice at Fairyhouse and appreciated the step up in trip here, indeed he needed every yard of the 2m7f. Jack Kennedy’s mount was as short as 1/6 this morning but was easy enough to back and eventually went to post the 1/3 favourite. As You Were, over 12 lengths behind Blow By Blow at Fairyhouse last time, headed the front-running Shark Saurez early in the straight and appeared to have the favourite in trouble before the last. However Kennedy’s mount dug deep on the run-in and wore down his rival close home to score by a length and a half. The pair drew 23 lengths clear of Shark Saurez in third. Elliott said, “That’s his trip and he’s going to be a chaser for next year. We’ll try and find a three-mile winners’ of one for him somewhere.”
