Perce impresses on chasing bow
Tommy Stack’s Tolworth Hurdle runner-up Perce Rock made a winning debut over fences with a game victory in the Conway Group EBF Novice Chase at Navan.
The JP McManus-owned five-year-old was settled in midfield by Tony McCoy but was rousted along to take closer order on the turn for home.
The 6-4 favourite responded to the champion jockey’s urgings and, after taking the lead with a fine leap at the final fence, he galloped all the way to the line to beat the front-running Dark Artist by seven lengths.
County Hurdle hero Pedrobob showed up well for a long way before tiring down the back straight.
“He always jumped well,” reflected Fozzy Stack, son of the winning trainer.
“He schooled well last year over fences and this was always going to be his game.
“The two-mile Durkan Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas now looks the logical place to go.”
Totesport gave Perce Rock an introductory price of 25-1 for the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival.
