A small crowd turned out for an eight race card catering for the lower end of the Flat game, and one of the few highlights was provided by Rich Sense in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden.
The Moyglare Stud Farm's home-bred was well-supported from 9/4 down to 13/8 favourite, and justified the confidence by quickening clear from the furlong pole to beat Green Lassy by five lengths. 'It was a weak maiden but she loves that firm ground and stays well,' said trainer Dermot Weld.
Lorikeet proved an equally easy winner of the other mile and a half event, the Baltrasna Handicap, cruising to the front on the far rail inside the final quarter mile and eased down by Tadgh O'Shea to beat Lily Shing Shang by three lengths.
'He loves summer ground, and should get a bit further in time as he's won a bumper. He'll also go over hurdles,' said trainer Michael Halford.
Local trainer Ger Lyons saddled a 1-2 in the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap when Benwilt Gold got the better of reserve Lucky Spirit. 'I'm very disappointed for the owners of the second but I'm sure he'll get his turn in a similar race,' said Lyons.
Nepro, who made all at Down Royal last month, gave a repeat performance in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Race. The David Wachman-trained youngster was again quickly away from the stalls, and kept on well under pressure in the closing stages to provide apprentice Michael Cleere (19) with his seventh winner.
'He did it well, is tough and genuine and has plenty of pace. He will go now for the Goffs Challenge at the Curragh's Derby weekend (June 25),' said Wachman.
Civic Duty also recorded her second win of the season when prominent throughout in division one of the Monard Handicap. The four-year-old filly pulled out plenty for Michael Kinane when challenged by a wall of horses inside the final quarter mile to beat Curtistown by a length.
Caroline Hutchinson gained quick compensation for the defeat of Curtistown when taking division two with Buttons Galore. Pat Shanahan's mount struck the front a furlong out, and held the renewed effort of Ard's Pet by half a length with Mr Jayjay really catching the eye when flashing home in third.
The absence of Nok Twice further weakened an already modest Ashbourne Median Auction Race but connections of newcomer Eillen Russel will not complain as she made a winning debut. Padraig Beggy moved onto the four winner mark for the season when the daughter of Idris led inside the final furlong to beat Sans Reserve by a neck.
Alan Magee
