Scruff lands gamble in style Martin Scruff landed a nice touch for trainer Gordon Elliott in the Littleton Handicap Hurdle at Thurles. Paul Carberry was ice cool on the well backed 5/4 favourite (from 11/4 in morning) as he cruised to an effortless three-length victory. The English import moved through smoothly to dispute turning for home and depite not being great at the second last Carberry didn't need to move on his mount. He was in total control going to the final flight and was just shaken up briefly on the run-in as he landed the spoils in style. The Oscar gelding had looked set to be involved when unseating on his last start at Fontwell in November and had since been switched to Elliott's yard by owner Liam Mulryan. It was a belated birthday present for Carberry, who turned 37 yesterday, and the winning trainer quipped:- "Paul's still well able to do it even though he is 37!" "That went according to plan. He's in again next week (at Punchestown) and will probably run there under a penalty before he gets reassessed. "I'm delighted for Liam who has a couple of horses with me."
