Darragh O'Keeffe was effusive in his praise for Bob Olinger after the supreme talent produced a more than satisfactory debut over fences without being foot-perfect, solidifying his position at the head of the Marsh Novices' Chase market.
Bidding to avoid the same fate as stablemates Minella Indo and A Plus Tard, who were beaten in this 2m4f beginners' chase here in recent years, the Robcour-owned star skipped six and a half lengths clear of 148-rated hurdler Bacardys to make a winning return.
His jumping was novicey at times, particularly on the landing side of the third-last, but on the whole he looked largely comfortable in a quality race as 1-3 favourite.
Betfair and Paddy Power trimmed the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle hero to 2-1 favourite (from 5-2) for a Cheltenham Festival follow-up in the Marsh next March.
"It was some experience," said a visibly delighted O'Keeffe, who got the plum ride due to Rachael Blackmore being in action at Haydock to partner A Plus Tard in the Betfair Chase.
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