Jezki, left, conquers Ally Cascade at Naas© Photo Healy Racing
Despite being noticeably weak in the market (11/8 out to 7/4) Jezki stayed on well in the last 100 yards to win the two mile maiden hurdle a shade cosily at Naas.
Barry Geraghty tracked Davy Russell and Ally Cascade (9/10f) from three out and looked beaten after the last as the favourite got away from it quicker, but Jezki responded well for pressure and kept on for a three quarters of a length victory.
Trainer Jessica Harrington is at the Newmarket horses in training sale. She was represented by her daughter Emma who said of the hurdling debutant: “That was plan A to win his maiden hurdle. I don’t know where the next stage will be.
“We are delighted the way he handled the heavy ground. It wasn’t ideal, but he got away with it. He would definitely appreciate better ground.
“Barry said he was a bit spooky at the last and if he jumped it better he would have won easier.”
Barry Geraghty, after his only ride of the day, added: “I thought I was going to win easily, but he was a bit deliberate at the last. I’d like to think there’s improvement in him. He travelled very well.”
Jezki won two bumpers last season both at Leopardstown before running eighth in the Grade 1 Cheltenham Bumper. He paid four euro for a win on the Tote today.
Joanna Morgan’s To The Sky was back in third at 11/2 in the 12-runner opener.
(Additional reporting by Gary Carson)
