Tofino Bay: third of four winners at Naas for Davy Russell
PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)Flying Russell completes hat-trick on Tofino Bay
Report: Naas, Saturday
Woodlands Park 100 Club Novice Chase (Grade 2) 3m, 5yo+
DAVY RUSSELL made it three wins from as many rides at Naas on Saturday when he landed the Woodlands Park 100 Club Novice Chase on Tofino Bay.
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The Dessie Hughes-trained winner earned a quote of 16-1 with Paddy Power for the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival after accounting for odds-on shot Aupcharlie under Russell, who had scored on Morning Assembly and Solwhit on the Naas card.
Sent to the front of the five-runner field, Tofino Bay - fourth when Aupcharlie was second in a Grade 1 over Christmas - led at the penultimate fence and was joined jumping the last by the Willie Mullins-trained favourite.
However, the ten-year-old held on to claim a half-length victory in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud.
BetVictor cut him to 10-1 (from 12) for the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park on Thursday, but a step back into Grade 1 company is likely to be next.
"The ground is key to him," said Hughes. "Not many horses love that sort of [heavy] ground, but he does - it's amazing.
"He's in the Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase at Leopardstown next month and that's where he'll go, although it will have to keep raining."
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