HE might have taken some time to realise his potential, but The Big Lense has certainly got his act together lately and he followed his victory in good pot at Listowel by landing the two-and-a-half-mile Baroneracing.com Handicap Chase to defy an 8lb rise in the weights.

Luke Dempsey was once again on board Gordon Elliott’s charge who showed a good attitude after the last to subdue Ask Nile before getting home by half a length from Carrigready. This. J.P. McManus-owned 6/1 chance is putting together a progressive profile and could be one to challenge for a valuable handicap at some point this term.

The Big Lense and Luke Dempsey (left) jump the last to win the Bar One Handicap Chase from Ask Nile and Ricky Doyle (right) \ Healy Racing

Dempsey was also successful on Ross O’Sullivan’s Theatre World in the Dun A Ri Blinds Handicap Hurdle over two and three-quarter miles. Formerly trained and owned by the late and much missed John Monroe, this front-runner was building on a series of placed efforts as he defeated fellow 6/1 joint-favourite The Abbey by three and a quarter lengths. This was a first career success for the Downtown Syndicate-owned gelding.

Donagh Meyler picked up a three-day whip suspension for his efforts on the sixth-placed Balgowlah.

There was a smart sort on show in the bumper where the Adrian Murray-trained Gold Speed (5/1) confirmed the merit of a placed comeback at Listowel which was his first start since December 2017. Derek O’Connor was once again on board the six-year-old son of Gold Well who made the running, asserted in good style inside the last couple of furlongs and came home two and a half lengths clear of the newcomer Bombay Blue.

A maiden hurdle in a month’s time will be next for the Anthony McLoughlin, Sean Coyne and Conor McLoughlin-owned gelding.

Elsewhere, Gavin Cromwell and Jonathan Moore took the Meath Farm Machinery Handicap Hurdle with the 104-rated Callthebarman (11/2f) who appeared to revel in the drop back to two miles as he made all the running for a comfortable four-and-a-half-length triumph over Iamastartoo. The five-year-old, who struck over fences at Perth in the summer, needs good ground and that will dictate plans for him.

Callthebarman and Jonathan Moore won the Meath Farm Machinery Handicap Hurdle \ Healy Racing