Pat Smullen extended his lead at the head of the Flat jockeys table when Govamix justified odds-on support in the mile and five furlongs maiden. The Dermot Weld-trained grey led at the furlong pole to beat Bob Justice and Teo Perugo, who dead-heated for second, by three lengths. 'He settled well, quickened up nicely and can't do any more than win,' said Smullen, who is three ahead of Mick Kinane on the 14 winner mark.
Declan McDonogh has also made a fine start to the season, and is third in the jockeys list with eight victories after giving Knockatotaun a powerful drive in the mile and five furlongs handicap. Pat Martin's charge appeared a forlorn hope when ridden along half a mile but McDonogh never gave up, and was rewarded when eventually wearing down well-backed favourite Dow Jones in the final strides.
'We never doubted her resolution despite a string of seconds as alot of the hurdle races she was beaten in were slowly run affairs, and she was getting done for speed. She will get further on the Flat, and certainly has guts,' said Martin.
Recently crowned champion National Hunt rider Paul Carberry made a successful return from injury on Airolo in the maiden hurdle, although the 2/7 chance was far from impressive in scoring by a neck. Carberry, sidelined for over two weeks with a badly bruised thigh after a fall at Fairyhouse, bided his time on the Michael Halford-trained gelding, who needed to be driven right out on the run-in to repel Barningham after mistakes at the final two flights.
'I told Paul not to get there too soon as he doesn't do alot in front, and he struggled a bit after sloppy jumps at the last two. He's entered in Killarney but I may give him a break as he's been on the go for a while, and he'll mix it between Flat and hurdles over the summer,' said Halford.
Norman Williamson, who just lost out in the maiden, went one better when Patrizio held off Daniels Hymn by a head in the two and a half miles winners hurdle. 'He deserved that as he's been knocking on the door for a while. We'll stick to novices, and Norman said he would have no trouble getting three miles,' said trainer Eoin Griffin, who has '12 riding out at the moment'.
Crimson Flower followed up her runaway hurdle win at Punchestown with another decisive success when switched to the Flat in the two mile handicap. Timmy Houlihan had her close to the pace throughout, and went clear before the straight to beat Carolina by four lengths.
Alan Magee
