Beckman foils huge plunge on River at Naas A massive on-course plunge on Mississippi River went astray as Beckman quickened up smartly inside the final furlong to win the Royal Ascot Trials At Naas Handicap at Naas. The former, trained by Aidan O'Brien was backed as if defeat was out of the question. Available at 4/5 early doors, the son of Lope De Vega was supported at all odds right down to 30/100f. However, it was Beckman, who was dropping into handicap company for the first time, who proved the stronger but not without giving his supporters a scare. Travelling easily over two-furlongs out, Colin Keane had to sit and suffer on the Ger Lyons trained 7/2 chance, as Ryan Moore headed leader Sugar Club on the market leader, Mississippi River. Once in the clear over a furlong out, Beckman quickened up impressively to head Mississippi River 100 yards from home, going clear to win by two-and-a-half lengths. “It was a nice surprise, I was disappointed with the previous one getting his pocket picked. They are very similar horses,” said Lyons. “We’re in the high 90s. I was hoping Smack was a bit better than that, this horses is a Listed/Premier Handicap type of horse. “I thought that was a nice effort, I loved how he quickened away when he got the gap. “I don’t think I’d come back to seven with him. You have the option of the Ballycorus with him. “Maurice would like to get a bit more black-type for the sire because that’s his pet project. “He’s a fun horse to have, honest as the day is long, so we’ll enjoy him.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
