King Of Oriel and Davy Russell clear the last© Photo Healy Racing
His performance when third at Fairyhouse on Saturday, hardly signalled a dominant display was in the offing, but that's exactly what King Of Oriel produced when turned-out quickly to bolt up in the Join The Punchestown Newsletter For Best Offers Handicap Hurdle.
The Kheleyf gelding, a winner on the level at Gowran last month, wasn't helped by a less than fluent leap two out, four days ago. He was well-backed on that occasion and his supporters returned today.
Finding a starting price of 4/1 joint favourite from an opening show of 11/2, King Of Oriel delighted those that joined in the gamble, leading before the last on his way to a very much un-extended looking four and a quarter length verdict over Carpet Elegance
Winning owner/trainer Donal Kinsella reported: "Davy excelled on him. He's come up to me a few times to school him and was up with me on Monday to school him again.
"He certainly rode him with aplomb. He jumped like an experienced handicapper which he definitely is not.
"I was a bit worried about the ground as I thought he might not stay."
For his part Russell commented: "He done it well and he learnt a lot from Saturday. He made a mistake two out then. He wants top of the ground and I'd suppose the handicapper will dictate where he goes now." (AM & EM)
