Ballydoyle treble at Leopardstown
Monday, 25 October 2004 17:41Footstepsinthesand proved the highlight of a treble for Ballydoyle with a commanding performance in the Kilavullan Stakes at Leopardstown this afternoon.
The son of Giant's Causeway looked a serious Classic contender when beating Gaff by a comfortable two-lengths in the Group Three contest.
Jamie Spencer led into the straight and didn't have to get too serious on the 4/5f to hold the challenge of Dermot Weld's charge.
"He's a serious horse. It was a big risk running him here so quick after Naas. Jamie said he gave him an unbelievable feel. He is a lovely relaxed horse and has lots of options for next year," said Aidan O'Brien.
Cashmans cut the winner to 20/1 (from 25/1) for next year's 2,000 Guineas and also go 25/1 (from 33/1) for the Derby. Ladbrokes go 25/1 for the Guineas.
Grand Central (2/5f) also made quite an impression when an effortless winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden.
Spencer had few worries on the debutant and eased into the lead two furlongs out before going clear for a four-length verdict.
Spencer was on the wrong one in the opener, however, as Full Moon Tonight (8/1) made all under Seamus Heffernan. Stable-mate Reggae had looked a big danger entering the straight but found little and was eventually caught for second by Sina Cova.
The three Ballydoyle runners in the Trigo Stakes failed to figure with Cairdeas running out an easy winner for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen in the Listed event. Smullen's mount led entering the straight and went on to beat Zarafsha by three-and-a-half lengths.
"He's still immature and I think we'll see a very nice horse next year over a mile and a quarter or a mile and a half," said Weld.
Mustameet gained a deserved win in the Blue Cross Maiden having shown decent form in group company. Winning rider Declan McDonogh quickly doubled up with Toricella in the JRA Golden Jubilee Handicap while Badger Kennedy finished with a wet sail to claim the Hawthorn Handicap.
Ruby Walsh recorded a double at Galway courtesy of Aimees Mark (7/2) and Asian Maze (8/1).
Aimees Mark got the better of Fatherofthebride in the run-in to land the feature Ward & Burke Contractors Handicap Chase while the front-running Asian Maze benefited when 8/11f No Half Session tired badly in the lead after jumping the last in the Steve Cunningham & Associates Novice Hurdle.
Justified opened his hurdling account in fine style when an 11-length winner of the Connaught Court Maiden Hurdle while top-class hurdler Rosaker proved an easy winner of the Sword Event Guard International (QR) Race under Niall Madden.
