Emerging Talent (Kevin Power) goes up a gear to beat Sub Lieutenant (Johnny King) in the finale at Naas© Photo Healy Racing
When queried after a point-to-point winner in Lemonfield last Sunday as to 'where next,' T J Nagle gave the comical answer 'the pub in Killavullen.' One imagines that'll be a lively spot this evening after Nagle's Emerging Talent landed the Tipper Road (Pro/Am) Flat Race under Kevin Power (earlier a winner at the 'point' in Horse And Jockey) at Naas.
Of course Nagle has put good ones through his hands in the past with his former inmate Just A Par a Cheltenham entrant for Paul Barber, Graham Roach and Paul Nicholls.
Anyway the hint was there that Emerging Talent could be good, not alone from the fact that he went the bumper rather than the point-to-point route and also from market support in the offices from early in the day.
The attractive Golan gelding travelled better to the concluding stages than anything else.
Given his inexperience it was then very encouraging for his future, to see Emerging Talent up it a gear inside the last to get the better of the more experienced Sub Lieutenant by a length and three parts.
The distress signals were showing for 4/11 shot Lockstockandbarrel at the two pole. He kept on at one pace to be six and a half lengths off the front pair in third at the line.
Nagle stated: "He's a real good horse. Kevin has only ridden him work once but we really like him." (AM & EM)
