Combs proves tough from the front under Hayes Combs made virtually all in the Tipperary Town Maiden, scoring under Chris Hayes for Gordon Elliott. Bought for 20,000 pounds as a yearling, the Dark Angel three-year-old ran twice as a juvenile, finishing fifth of 11 on his latest start at Navan in October. Sent off an 11/1 chance this evening, the Sapphire Racing-owned bay kept finding for pressure in the straight and while strongly pressed by Treasure Planet (1/1f) from the furlong pole, he pulled out more in the closing stages to beat the market leader by a length. Gavin Ryan was aboard the runner-up for Donnacha O'Brien, while Keyboard (4/1) was another length-and-a-quarter back in third. "He is a smashing horse and his two runs last year were good. I ride plenty work for Gordon and worked alongside this horse two weeks ago. He was grand and I think he is an improving horse," Hayes reflected. "I got no instructions so bowled along on him, he stays all day and won with a bit up his sleeve as he jinked after the line. He was only doing what he had to do and is a work in progress." STEWARDS REPORTS * C.D. Hayes, rider of Combs, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran green. * L.T. McAteer, rider of Sea Senor, trained by Patrick T. Foley, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was slowly away. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
