JP McManus enjoyed a rare big-race win on the level as Smuggler's Song got the better of a duel with market leader Canberra in a poorly supported Glanbia Classic Trial at Gowran Park this afternoon. The gelded son of Dr Devious made all the running under Tadgh O'Shea and battled on gamely to score after the favourite had looked sure to sweep past him a furlong from home. Trainer Charles O'Brien has no grandiose plans for his charge, mentioning a Listed event at the Curragh in a couple of weeks time as a possible target.
Meanwhile, Paquita belied a lack of market confidence with a narrow victory in the seven furlong fillies maiden, asserting close home to deny Bev Who by half a length. Mac Han opened his account at the fourth time of asking when flooring well-fancied newcomer Satiari in the opening three-year-old maiden. The Pennekamp colt stayed on well under pressure in the straight to score by three lengths.
Askthejudge is set to make a quick reappearance after readily landing the one mile handicap under Emmett Stack. Trainer Frank Ennis confirmed: "He'll run at Tipperary on Thursday as long as he comes out of this alright."
The Jim Dreaper stable has shown signs of a revival in recent weeks, and Cherry Hunter gave the yard another winner with a game effort in the novice hurdle. A second success for 7lb claimer Robbie Colgan, the six-year-old made much of the running to beat Monty's Pass by two lengths and is now likely to have a summer break before going chasing.
Paul Carberry looked a significant booking for Old Kilminchy in the two mile four furlong handicap hurdle, and those who took the hint were rewarded with an 8/1 payout. The six-year-old dug deep to hold Shared Account as the pair drew clear from the last, thus initiating a double for Michael Hourigan. The trainer's daughter Laura again impressed when partnering Jolly Moonbeam to victory in the bumper, the pair getting the better of a good tussle with Doors To Manual to complete the brace.
Filed by Shane Murray
