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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Smullen doubles up as Balmont upsets odds

Sun 18th Aug 2013, 17:10

Balmont Belle (near side) and Orator fight out the finishBalmont Belle (near side) and Orator fight out the finish
© Photo Healy Racing

Orator was all the rage to end a frustrating sequence of placings in the Bar One Racing Telebetting 1800 624 524 Maiden but the well-bred Galileo colt had to settle for the runner-up spot yet again as Balmont Belle took the spoils.

The 8/11 favourite forced the pace under Wayne Lordan but was strongly pressed approaching the furlong pole by Balmont Belle.

The 12/1 chance got on top in the final 100 yards to complete a quick double for Pat Smullen, who was also successful in the previous fillies maiden with the impressive Flying Jib (6/4).

Tracey Collins’ charge had three quarters of a length to spare at the line, with Arch Pearl keeping on into third a further half-length adrift. Like A Diamond withdrawn in controversial circumstances at Ballinrobe last month having been backed from 50/1 into 3/1 before racing, ran well here on his debut.

A steady 7/1 chance in the market, the Sharon Dunphy-trained gelding travelled well early in the straight to throw down a challenge but could find no extra in the final furlong to eventually finish fourth.

Collins said, “I think that stamina won the day, and Pat gave her a lovely ride. The flat track here helped as she wasn’t suited by the undulations at Wexford the last day.”

1st
12/1
Tote €11.60 €4.20
2nd
0.75L
8/11Fav
€1.02
3rd
0.5L
4/1
€1.30
About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.