Shabra Emperor lands a gamble in Dundalk© Photo Healy Racing
There was a major plunge on Shabra Emperor in a seven-furlong handicap at Dundalk and the money was brought home in good style by the gelding who shouldered top-weight of 10 stone.
His price shortened in the morning from 11/2 to 7/2 and he was all the rage at the track as he was hammered down from 9/2 on opening show to 2/1 favourite.
Fran Berry and Shabra Emperor were evidently travelling sweetly in mid-division as the field swept round the home turn. The six-year-old came through in the centre of the track to collar Cappadocia at the furlong pole and was too strong for his rivals as he posted a success by two lengths.
Cappadocia held on for second by a head at 9/1 from Palace Art at 14s who was placed for the first time on her 17th outing.
"Fran gave him a superb ride. I said when he won here the last time that he's a Fran horse," Anthony McCann said.
"He broke well tonight and he never breaks well and he travelled well. He has plenty of speed.
"Unfortunately I don't think he'll ever win over hurdles. He's entered on Wednesday night again and we'll see what the handicapper does. He might have to go after winning by two lengths there.
"I'll talk to Rita Shah and also see how he comes out of the race."
This gave jockey Berry a double on the evening as he also landed race two on Asian Wing
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
