Federici went off a well-backed 13/8 market-leader and he became the third winning favourite in as many races at Fairyhouse when comfortably coming out on top in the Next Racing At Fairyhouse June 2nd Handicap Hurdle.

Adrian Heskin was again in the plate on the Ulster National hero, and the John Glews-owned and Enda Bolger-trained seven-year-old was always to the fore.

Second placed Incitatum made a slight mistake at the last, and Federici soon asserted away to score by three and three parts of a length.

"I liked what I saw there. He could go to Punchestown on the Saturday for the race (CME Auctioneers Cross Country Chase) he was second to Josies Orders in last year, or else wait for Killarney next month (Killarney National)," stated Bolger.

(AM & EM)