John Oxx’s well-rated colt Akeed Wafi showed the benefit of his sixth place at Leopardstown when quickening away from his 14 rivals in the first division of the mile maiden at Gowran Park.
Niall McCullagh pressed go a furlong out and the race was over as the son of Street City won by two lengths at odds of 11/4. He wasn’t unbacked having been introduced into the market at 6/1 in the morning.
Jim Bolger’s Rigoletta was placed for the fourth time in-a-row as she booked the runners-up berth. She was sent off 100/30.
Voleuse De Coeurs from Dermot Weld’s stable kept on for third on debut at 8/1.
5/2 favourite Optimist representing the powerful Magnier, Tabor and Smith alliance of owners came in fourth.
Successful trainer John Oxx said: “He’s a nice horse and he likes good ground. Where he goes next will depend on the weather.”
Michael Graham
