Bun Doran stepped up noteably in trip as he went from handicap company to grade two scorer at Kempton in the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase in the hands of Cork native Johnny Burke.
The son of Shantou, a 4/1 shot, who was runner-up at Newbury in November, surprised when he come hom in front of some better-fancied rivals.
The eight-year-old was challenged by two highly regarded rivals in Arkle winner Duc Des Genievres and Grade 1 winner Sceau Royal on the run-in, but the gelding dug deep and found more than his challengers to score by a length-and-a half on the line.
Bun Doran ran out an impressive 14-length winner on his debut perfomance between-the-flags at Necarne back in 2015 for Wexford handler Mick Goff and was then sold to Alex Elliott and Tom George for £76,000.
"He gave me some spin. These two-mile chasers are special. He has obviously run to a high level in handicaps. Tom said before the race the handicapper had forced us into a Grade Two, " explains winning rider Johnny Burke to Racing TV.
" I was keen to make it a good test and I knew that was the way to catch out Sceau Royal and I took his speed away. He was good today and that was his Gold Cup."
"He seems to be on the up and it is mad to think he has been around a while, but he seems to be improving. "
"It is important to get these big graded winners. Black Op got beat yesterday, but I'm delighted with this today and there will be many more to come."
