Concertista, right, gets the better of Magic Daze on the run-in© Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins' high-class hurdler Concertista made a winning start over fences at Grade 2 level in the mares' novices' chase at Cork.
Sean O'Keeffe 's mount moved into contention approaching the second last and challenged Magic Daze as the pair progressed to the final fence.
She jumped it better than her rival and soon hit the front on the run-in. She was driven out to hit the line half a length in front of a keeping-on Jeremys Flame (18/1). Magic Daze, the 10/11 favourite, dropped back to third close home.
Assistant trainer David Casey said of the 13/8 chance: "She is not an exuberant jumper and is quick at her fences. Sean was happy enough with her and was confident the whole way that if he kept her jumping together she'd win.
"I think she'll improve loads from the run and hopefully will progress through the year. We'll keep an eye on all those mares' race for the time being and see what's there for her.
"You'd have preferred to be in a mares' beginners but they aren't there at the minute. Today's race was there for her and she has gone and won and there's a mares' race for her at Limerick over Christmas - we'll keep all options open at the moment."
"There is a two mile chase next week for Appreciate It at Fairyhouse but because it is on the inside track and because it has been so dry, we have to decide do we wait and go to Christmas or not. There is a beginners chase in Leopardstown over Christmas and you wouldn't mind winning either but we'll see."
Mullins and O'Keefe also scored with Dysart Dynamo on Cork's card.
Paddy Power made Concertista 5/2 from 5/1 for the Mares' Chase at Cheltenham.
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
