Staying Article looked a star of the future when landing a bumper at Punchestown 27 days back and despite proving to be extremely easy-to-back in the face of strong support for Rivage D'Or the market got this one wrong as the former prevailed in the Racing Again At Naas On 24th November Maiden Hurdle.
Rivage D'Or looked like he was going to win when striking on before the last under Davy Russell and indeed he was matched in running at odds of 1/50. However as he showed on his debut Staying Article has a great turn of foot which he utilised to get up close home to score.
Winning trainer Edward O'Grady said: "I'm pleased for one of those (a Definite Article) that he went on the ground. He quickened up really well and he might have another run before being put away until the spring.
"He is progressing and looks to be going the right way. Andrew (McNamara) said the ground felt different riding him than it did on Shot From The Hip (2nd in the previous race). He is a nice horse, he jumps well and even over-jumped the last. He is in the Royal Bond (at Fairyhouse on November 29th)."
