Jouster, far side, sees it out best© Photo Healy Racing
Gavin Cromwell's Jouster was uneasy in the market for Division 1 of the two and a-half mile handicap hurdle, but he was authoritative at the business end.
He still held favouritism at 9/4 but that was after he opened at 6/4.
He was switching back to flights having landed a beginners' chase at Tramore in November.
The five-year-old gelding, in first-time cheekpieces, closed two out and soon led for Conor Stone-Walsh.
He kept on nicely on the run-in to win by a handy length and three-quarters for the Strawberry Seven Syndicate. Stealthy Tom kept on for second at 10/3 and was a length and a-quarter in front of Rebelle Chaud (12/1).
The jockey said: “He jumped brilliant and travelled everywhere. He was a bit keen for the first half, but he picked up well in the straight and galloped away from them.
“He’s a bit of a lazy sort and the cheekpieces keep him concentrating and going forward. Hopefully, he can keep improving and I think he can get three miles.”
Jouster made it 14 winners for Cromwell in the last three weeks.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
