Knife Edge looks one to follow over fences this winter judged on a convincing victory in the Quinns Of Naas Novice Chase.
Tom Rudd bidded his time on the Michael O'Brien-trained gelding, striking the front at the second last before drawing clear to beat Glenelly Gale by 12 lengths. 'He was very careful but is not a horse that will do anything stupid,' said O'Brien, who added: 'We will probably turn him out again in a #20,000 novice at Punchestown next Saturday before putting him away for the Dennys Chase at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting.'
Ned Kelly got his jumping career off to a successful start with a workmanlike victory in the Tipper Maiden Hurdle. The Be My Native gelding needed to be driven out by Philip Fenton to beat main market rival Bust Out by two and a half lengths.
'He popped an outside splint about five weeks ago, and that has left him a bit backward. He should improve alot, and will come back here in a fortnight for a winners of one,' said trainer Edward O'Grady afterwards.
O'Grady also had good news concerning the sidelined Nick Dundee, who went well in a schooling bumper at Fairyhouse on Friday and is on course to reappear over fences at Cork next month.
The featured Woodlands Park 100 Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle went in fine style to Calladine. The Christy Roche-trained four-year-old was always travelling strongly under Paul Moloney, heading Native Estates after the last to score by two and a half lengths. 'He is quite small, and will always be better with a light weight in a good class handicap,' said Roche.
