Phil's Magic and Jonathan Burke © Photo Healy Racing
Phil's Magic justified some good support to run out a cosy winner of the opening maiden hurdle at Naas this afternoon.
Sandra Hughes' charge, second on three previous outings over timber, was backed at 9/4 this morning and went to post the even-money favourite.
Utmost Zeal soon built up a big lead in the two-miler, running freely under Bryan Cooper.
Jonathan Burke was content to sit off him on Phil's Magic and made ground up turning for home.
The Fruit's Of Love gelding challenged at the second last and soon hit the front. He was powering clear going to the final flight when Utmost Zeal took a tired fall.
Baily Cloud inherited second place but could only get within 12-lengths of the winner who was easing down in the closing stages.
Phil's Magic had taken a Tipperary bumper last June and was second on his other four previous runs, including twice over timber in November.
"He's a real chaser in the making. They went a good gallop and it was a good performance," said Hughes.
"He could go for the Michael Purcell at Thurles or make the trip over the water. I'll have to talk to the owners but he's only five so we'll see.
"Whatever he does over hurdles is a bonus as he's a real chaser."
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
