Straight John going right way for Elliott Straight John jumped well on his way to justifying long-odds-on favouritism in the opening maiden hurdle over an extended two-miles in Punchestown. He encountered maiden company on two previous occasions when sixth at Leopardstown and runner-up at this track which saw him go off a well-supported 30/100 favourite. The Doctor Dino gelding had a host of challengers on his tail approaching the home bend, but readily asserted straightening up and that was the winning of the race. He wasn't at his most fluent over the last, but Jack Kennedy was able to drive him home by three and three-quarter lengths from Bulgaden Castle (10/3) who came out best in a bunch for the places. En Or was a neck further away at 8/1. Gordon Elliott said: “It probably wasn’t the strongest race in the world and I’d say he probably wants two-and-a-half miles. “I’d say a rated hurdle somewhere would suit him well, he ran a nice race. “He’s very straightforward. I’d say he wants further and Jack said the track was pretty tight for him.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
