Justified takes novice honours

Justified comprehensively outpointed market rival Wild Passion to land the Volkswagon Jetta Craddockstown Novice Chase at Punchestown.

Backed into even-money favourite, the Eamonn Sheehy-trained six-year-old bowled along in front under Shay Barry for the entire two miles of the Grade Two contest.

The two key protagonists moved well clear of their rivals but once asked for an effort, Justified proved too strong for Wild Passion turning for home and was eased-down for a 14-length victory.

Cashmans make Justified their 7-1 co-favourite along with Accordion Etoile for the Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

``He is definitely a better chaser than a hurdler,'' said Sheehy. ``This year he is man, compared to a chap last year - he has matured.

“If all goes to plan, the Arkle at Cheltenham is his long term objective, but I will change travel arrangements this year and he will only go over a day before the race.

“I will have a look at the Drinmore at Fairyhouse – he may go for that as he needs plenty of racing.

“I think he will also definitely go for the two-mile Durkan New Homes Chase at Leopardstown at Christmas.”

Brave Inca had to survive an inquiry before being declared the winner of the Maplewood Developments Morgiana Hurdle.

Tony McCoy set a sedate pace aboard Colm Murphy’s stable star before increasing the tempo to stretch the field approaching the home straight.

Paul Carberry gave 7-4 favourite Harchibald a typically confident ride but when he tried to creep up Brave Inca’s inside before the last flight, the gap quickly closed and he ended up being badly squeezed against the rails.

McCoy firmly seized the initiative though and drove the 11-4 shot to a half-length victory in the Grade Two contest, narrowly getting the better of the determined challenge of Essex with Harchibald eased in third.