Okotoks lands a punt in Cork Okotoks got favourite backers in Cork off to a flier as he readily took the spoils in the opener for Tony Martin and Bryan Cooper. The even-money chance (from an opening show of 7/4) asserted in the lead after the second last and was soon clear jumping the final flight in this two mile maiden hurdle. He made a mistake there but had plenty in the tank on the run-in as he passed the post three and three quarter lengths ahead of Nine Stiches (4/1). Fairly Legal (11/4) was beaten a neck into third by the runner-up. Tony Martin said: "He was entitled to do that and unfortunately the ground was a bit quick for him the last day and I shouldn't have run him. "His jumping is a bit sketchy - he has a good leap but is still novicey. "Hopefully it is onwards and upwards for him but we'll make no big plans, just a winners of one next." Bryan Cooper added: "There was a few green ones. Even from my lad it was his third run over hurdles and he's still a little sketchy. When they went on a gallop he was better. "He did it well. He missed the last but he quickened up away from the back of it. "I'd say the ground in Navan the last day was a shade quick for him. All his bumper form was on soft ground. He had a good run in Leopardstown. He got the job done." Okotoks won his bumper at Down Royal in May. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
