Grand plan for The Big Dog

TRAINER Peter Fahey is dreaming of Grand National glory with The Big Dog who pounced on a mistake at the last by Lifetime Ambition to win the Bar One Racing Troytown Chase at Navan.

Jessica Harrington’s runner-up had produced an exhibition round of jumping but with the petrol gauge flashing red, an untidy jump allowed Fahey’s 11-1 shot (left) to storm clear on the run-in under Keith Donoghue.

Fahey said: “He stepped up today and is a very lucky horse for me and the lads. It was a good performance carrying the weight.

“The way he’s performing he could end up being a Grand National horse.”

Gordon Elliott’s Fil Dor dazzled on his chasing debut as the big clash with Saint Roi lived up to expectations. Both jumped with precision as they turned the Boardsmill Stud Irish EBF Beginners Chase into a match.

Fil Dor shaded it at the last before stretching out for a four-length success.

● RYAN MOORE was at his best as he defied traffic problems aboard 7-2 third favourite Vela Azul to win the Japan Cup.