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Review NAVAN 16TH APR

Curragh trainer Michael Halford dominated the early proceedings at this all Flat fixture by saddling a 26/1 treble in the opening three events with Miss Sally, Cupids Ray and Romantic Notion.

Miss Sally proved a very impressive winnner of the opening sprint maiden, drawing clear from over a furlong out under Michael Kinane to beat Maigue Violet by ten lengths.

'She's come on for the run at Cork, and time will tell how good the form is. We will try to get her some black type, and Mick said she would prefer better ground,' said Halford.

Halford and Kinane again teamed up half-an-hour later in the sprint handicap where Cupids Ray headed Tiger Royal inside the final furlong before going on to score by four lengths.

'You couldn't begrudge him that, and he's very tough and consistent. He's best with a cut in the ground, and may have another run before we give him a break and come back in the autumn,' said Halford.

The treble, Halford's second having previously recorded the feat at the Curragh on 1,000 Guineas day in 2003, was completed by Romantic Notion in the juvenile auction maiden.

The 4/5 favourite only got through a narrow gap under Rory Cleary on the far rail inside the final furlong to prevail by a head from Regaleya.

Tadhg O'Shea picked up a one day suspension (April 25) for using his whip with excessive frequency on the runner-up.

Halford was just denied a four-timer in the following apprentice handicap as Sister Sox was pegged back close home by Tango Step to provide Martin Lane (19) from Kilworth with his first winner.

'That's my first runner this season, and Martin gave him a peach of a ride. This horse has got a bit stronger this year, and is certainly improving,' said Curragh-based trainer Ben Lawlor.

All Too Beautiful was taken out of the featured Ennistown Stud EBF Salsabil Stakes by Aidan O'Brien due to 'ground conditions', although the stewards did not accept this excuse and fined him 200 euro.

The official going had actually improved slightly from heavy at declaration time to soft to heavy.

Kieren Fallon switched onto stable-companion Agenda but the well-backed 2/1 favourite could only manage seventh place behind the convincing winner Allexina.

Fran Berry's mount struck the front over two furlongs out, and stayed on strongly to beat the David Wachman-trained pair Faint Heart and Showbiz by 3 1/2L and 4 1/2L.

'She had the benefit of a run already this season and that is her ground and trip. She's in the Italian Oaks and could run if the ground is suitable,' said successful trainer John Oxx.

Berry later completed a double when getting Pennyforurthoughts up in the final stride of the mile handicap to deny the 9/4 favourite Oddshoes.

Fuerta Ventura led a furlong out under Declan McDonogh in the nine furlong fillies handicap, and Ken Condon's charge kept on well to beat the staying on Brogue Lanterns by two and a half lengths.

Alan Magee