Punchestown Results Wed, 23rd Apr, 2008

Martinstown Opportunity Final H´cap H´dl (Rated 81-123) of €30,000.00 4-y-o plus 2m. 4f.

1st - €19,530.00, 2nd - €6,000.00, 3rd - €3,000.00, 4th - €1,200.00 25 Ran
Here Comes Sally is a credit to connections and the rise of 24lb in the ratings since the end of November proved no obstacle to the progressive mare as she denied the gambled-on Northern Alliance.

The 8yo mare was recording a deserved second win of the campaign at this venue over her favourite trip, having been in the money on her four other starts. She raced close to the pace as usual and, after setting sail for home off the home turn, kept on well to hold the late surge of the warm favourite. She will go chasing next season.

Northern Alliance, also a progressive handicapper this term, was held up to get the extra half mile and came from well off the pace to challenge in the straight. Available at 6/1 in the morning, he kept on well without ever getting to the winner.

Son Of Oscar was produced to hold every chance early in the straight but could only keep on onepaced, while Alabama Banjo was held in second when blundering at the last and losing all momentum.

Dosco lost his prominent position on the inner from four out but was keeping on as well as any from before the last. A proven stayer, he is capable of winning over three miles off his present mark.

Native Royal was backed down from a morning high of 20/1 but punters knew their fate early on as she made a bad mistake at the first and never got involved.