Master Dee delivers for O'Brien and Geraghty

Fergal O'Brien's patience was rewarded as Master Dee ran out a ready winner of the Betdaq Handicap Chase at Kempton.

Having his first run for 105 days, he has been entered for several big races in the interim but his need for decent ground is well known and the surface at Kempton was clearly in his favour as he bounded clear of Ballykan to win by three and three-quarter lengths.

Outpaced in the early stages, Barry Geraghty was content to take his time on the second circuit before making a big move coming out of the back straight.

As Go Conquer gave way, Art Mauresque was left in front but he had no answer as Ballykan breezed past before Master Dee (8-1) took control.

O'Brien said: "I'm very lucky to have great people around me and good horses.

"This horse has been ready to run for three months and the Rooneys (owners) have let me wait and do what we wanted.

"I could have run him two weeks ago and we decided to wait. It's paid off and I'm over the moon."

Geraghty told ITV Racing: "I think I'm four from four in these colours.

"I was pretty much outpaced all the way, but I just sat and he jumped nicely. With a circuit to go I thought we had no chance, but halfway down the back straight, he started to pick up.

"Turning in I was fairly happy he was coming alive."

Jason Maguire, racing manager for Paul and Clare Rooney, said: "Obviously he hasn't run since Aintree, when he ran well, as we were waiting for the ground.

"His form had been over two and a half, but over three miles here, the sharp track has helped, as has the drying ground.

"Barry gave him a lovely, patient ride, let them get on with it in front and he's come home well.

"We'll see how he comes out of this before deciding about Cheltenham. As he goes on nice ground, he could go to Aintree or even Punchestown."