Oscar outstays rivals in style

Wise Oscar and Bryan Cooper are clear jumping the last
(Healy Racing Photos)

The well-backed 6/4 favourite (from 9/4) was pushed along three from home but found top gear in the straight, under Bryan Cooper.

Dessie Hughes' charge took over from front-runner Playing at the second last and soon asserted.

The Oscar gelding could afford to cruise home in the closing stages to post an eight-length win over Miss Xian, who kept on for the runner-up spot.

The winner had chased home runaway winner Bog Warrior in a handicap hurdle here last month on his first start since joining Hughes' yard.

“He goes on that very heavy ground – very few do,” said Hughes.

“There might be another one in him. He can run over fences as well as he's won a chase. When horses get to this age they improve for a change of scene – get a new lease of life.

“He was never really on it (bridle) but goes in that heavy ground and just keeps going while the others stopped.”