Pyke swoops from rear to land Grade 3 prize

Kappa Jy Pyke was given a fine hold-up ride by Danny Mullins as he swooped on the run-in to land the Grade 3 Sky Bet Novice Chase at Punchestown. Predators Gold went to post a 4/6 shot in the two-mile-three contest, for Willie Mullins, and looked to have things in hand when scooting a few lengths clear after the second-last.

Both Jacob’s Ladder and Kappa Jy Pyke came to press at the final fence, however, and it was the hotpot’s stablemate who quickened best to lead on the run-in.

He pulled away late on to record a three-and-a-half length win over Jacob’s Ladder.

The Masked Marvel gelding had also downed another better-fancied stablemate when beating Salvator Mundi on his chase debut at Thurles in late November.

Danny said he relaxed when he pulled him out, and put it to bed well at the back of the last. We thought he was a stayer last year, but at the moment you would say that trip suits him.

David Casey

Strength and speed key to Grade 3 victory

Assistant David Casey said:- “He was good. He obviously won well the first day.

“We thought he was a decent horse last year over hurdles, but he disappointed for no reason after winning his maiden hurdle. I’d say he’s just strengthened up a bit this year.

“It looked like they went a nice gallop on the ground, and I thought he jumped really quick early in the race and was wondering would he come back in trip as he was jumping so fast.

“Danny said he relaxed when he pulled him out, and put it to bed well at the back of the last.

“We thought he was a stayer last year, but at the moment you would say that trip suits him.”

Paddy Power made the winner a 20/1 shot for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham. He is now 25/1 (from 40/1) for the Arkle.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)