Knife Edge and Ned Kelly both looked horses to follow for the winter when justifying odds on favouritism at Naas this afternoon.
Locally-based Knife Edge hardly put a foot wrong as he landed the odds in runaway fashion in the Quinns of Naas Novice Chase by 12 lengths from Glenelly Gale, having being supported from 11-10 to 4-5.
Successful seven times previously, including a hurdles victory over Youlneverwalkalone at Cork last month, Knife Edge had plenty in hand on the ratings and translated that into a solid performance.
'He is more relaxed over fences and he had to win like that to be the horse I thought he would be as a chaser. He is clever, as you saw when he got a bit long three out and popped it nicely,' said winning trainer Michael O`Brien.
Knife Edge will probably make a quick reappearance at Punchestown next Saturday before being put away for the Dennys Gold Medal Chase at Leopardstown`s Christmas meeting.
Ned Kelly went in the opposite direction in the market,easing from 1-2 to 4-5 before collecting in the Tipper Maiden Hurdle.
Twice a winner in bumpers, Ned Kelly was ridden with plenty of confidence by champion amateur Philip Fenton to outpace his main market rival Bust Out in the closing stages.
'Ned Kelly was not as fit as Bust Out, having popped a splint several weeks ago. But he should improve a lot fitness wise and gain more confidence jumping in his next race, which will probably be back here in a fortnight,' said winning trainer Edward O`Grady.
O`Grady had encouraging of Nick Dundee, who is on the comeback trail after his well publicised, serious injury at the Cheltenham Festival in 1999.
'Nick Dundee worked at Fairyhouse yesterday in a schooling bumper, and is sound this morning. He will go to Cork, all going well, for a race that looks an ideal one to bring him back in early next month,' said O`Grady.
Calladine, the 9-2 second favourite, won for the first time for his new trainer Christy Roche when taking the BrownLad Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Paul Maloney who opted to stay at Naas rather than ride at Cheltenham and had that decision justified as his mount took the IR#13,000 winner`s prize.
