Touch Me Not (nearest)© Photo Healy Racing
Touch Me Not further enhanced Gordon Elliott’s excellent record in the BetVictor Craddockstown Novice Chase at Punchestown by comfortably accounting for better-fancied stablemate Farren Glory
Sam Ewing ’s mount put in a magnificent round of jumping at the head of affairs and after being given a breather turning for home, he found plenty up the straight to score by six lengths at 8-1.
Elliott was winning the two-mile Grade Two contest for the fourth time in five years, having previously struck with Felix Desjy, Riviere D’etel and Imagine.
There was drama early on when Fascile Mode who had beaten the winner at this venue last month, fell and brought down Jordans which left Touch Me Not to control proceedings.
The Gigginstown House Stud-owned five-year-old and Ewing, who had been rerouted to Punchestown after Cork was called off, never looked back as they powered to a convincing victory, which earned quotes of 40-1 for the Arkle at Cheltenham from Betfair and Paddy Power.
Elliott commented on the winner: “Sam said he got as much fun riding him as he has on any horse in a long time.
“He came from the point-to-point field in England. He actually fell at the last in his point-to-point, believe it or not.
“I was worried about the ground but it was a good performance. He obviously came on from the last day.
“He was very keen at home as a young horse and he wasn’t showing me anything, but he’s come a long way in six months.
“I’m not sure where he’ll go next, but we’ll get him home and see where we go.”
Ewing reflected: "He was tough out in front and that's what he likes to do. When he spots a fence, he takes you down to it. He just had a look at the loose horse four out but as soon put my whip into my right hand, he was straight as a dye down to the next fence.
"He's a lovely horse and has a bright future. He'd a great first run here and came on a lot for it. He's handles that ground well and I couldn't be happier with him."
Farren Glory had shown plenty of ability over hurdles, claiming the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse last December before looking an unlucky loser when seeking more Grade One glory at Aintree, where he took a heavy fall in front at the second last.
He was no match for Inthepocket on his chasing debut at Wexford but went one better in fine fashion at Naas next time out and was a 7-4 shot to take this step up in class in his stride.
However, despite travelling smoothly through the race for Jack Kennedy and moving up to second place, he could never get to his stablemate at the business end of the contest.
