Supreme fourth Fakir D'Oudairies denies Melon in hot beginners' chase

Supreme Novices' Hurdle fourth Fakir D'Oudairies replicated the significant promise he showed over hurdles last season to run out an impressive winner on his chasing debut at Navan, with dual Champion Hurdle runner-up and 9-10 favourite Melon unable to respond three lengths back in second.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained four-year-old made most of the running and jumped excellently under Mark Walsh to continue a fine day for owner JP McManus, whose colours were carried to victory by Andy Dufresne and Ballyoisin earlier on the card.

Fakir D'Oudairies hit the crossbar twice at the highest level last campaign when second to Champion Hurdle fancies Pentland Hills and Fusil Raffles in top-class juvenile contests and cashed in on a healthy 8lb weight-for-age allowance from Melon.

O'Brien said: "I thought he'd come on for the run and I was really impressed with him. I was delighted to see the way he jumped on his first start over fences. He likes to roll forward and get into a good rhythm and he did that here. He's a very exciting horse."

In a weekend brimming with Cheltenham Festival movers Fakir D'Oudairies was the latest subject, with Paddy Power electing to cut the winner to 8-1 (from 20) for the Racing Post Arkle.

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