Conor O'Dwyer dominated proceedings at Navan on Saturday when recording a 75/1 treble with War Of Attrition, Yeoman's Point and Cadou Royal.
War Of Attrition, who successfully forced the pace at Punchestown a fortnight ago, again adopted front-running tactics over two miles in the opening four-year-old winners' race. Mouse Morris' charge travelled well throughout, and the well-backed 11/8 favourite stayed on well to beat Macs Joy by a length and a half.
O'Dwyer followed up on Yeoman's Point in an incident-packed beginners chase, with Christy Roche's charge asserting before the last to beat Pay It Forward by four lengths.
Cadou Royal completed a memorable afternoon for the Wexford man when making most and rallying on the run-in to edge out Francines-Boy in the handicap chase.
Watson Lake opened his jumping account in great style when readily landing the two and a quarter miles maiden hurdle. The Ian Power-ridden 4/6 favourite was settled in behind the leaders before cruising to the front after three out to easily beat Pearly Jack by 12 lengths.
'It made such a difference when Ian got him relaxed today, and he seems to love that soft ground. He's got great scope and should make a fine chaser in time,' said trainer Noel Meade. On more immediate plans, Meade feels two and a half miles should suit him better although he could drop back in distance for the paddypower.com Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown next Saturday.
Askeaton permit-holder David Fitzgerald was on the mark with Camptect, patiently ridden by Barry Cash to land the two and three quarter miles handicap hurdle. The seven-year-old led on the run-in to beat Shivermetimber by a length and a half, and will bid for a follow up at the Limerick Christmas meeting. Sandysaran, available at 16/1 in the morning and backed down to 100/30 favourite on the track, was no threat in the straight finishing a well-beaten seventh.
Punters also got it wrong half-an-hour later in the two miles handicap hurdle where Sharp Act (5/1 to 9/4 favourite) dropped out tamely after four out as Gormans Best recorded a shock win. The 16/1 chance, paid over 71/1 on the Tote, provided claimer David Bean with his first winner of the year when sweeping clear after three out to beat Osiris by three and a half lengths.
Alan Magee
