Barnso and Billy Lee. © Photo Healy Racing
The Natalia Lupini trained Barnso appeared to relish every yard of the ten furlong trip as he stayed on dourly to win the Fairyhouse Chill & Grill Handicap at the County Meath track.
A juvenile winner at Dundalk last season, the Belardo gelding had subsequently run a big race when second over a mile on his final outing at two.
Noted making late headway on his reappearance at Naas earlier this month, an additional two furlongs were always likely to suit.
Held up towards rear by Billy Lee, as Don't Do Dramas set the fractions under Wesley Joyce, Barnso moved into mid division travelling easily at the two marker. Sinbad My Dad headed the leader over a furlong out but Lee was soon in pursuit, drawing alongside before edging ahead over 200 yards out.
Keeping on strongly close home, the 13/2 chance held the late run of Going Remote
Natalia Lupini said: “He's been working well at home. Wayne (Lordan) liked him when he rode him in Naas and thought he'd need a step up in trip.
“We found this race for him, a three-year-old only and they are a bit hard to find.
“It worked well, the ground and everything suited him today. Conditions were right for him.
“His form as a two-year-old was good enough and he was probably going to be competitive in this handicap today.
“We were thinking he could maybe take another step up in trip and maybe he could go for the Ulster Derby although we have him in the July sales as well.
“We're going to chat to the other owners and we'll see what the handicapper does as well.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
