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Exactoris too strong for the opposition

Exactoris holds off Knockraha BossExactoris holds off Knockraha Boss
© Photo Healy Racing

Exactoris (10/3) made it two from two when staying on best to take the bumper in Cork for Aidan and Sarah O'Brien.

The four-year-old gelding set sail for home at the three pole but he looked to have plenty on his plate as 4/11 favourite Babbling Stream cruised up to almost be on terms outside the two.

However, when push came to shove on Babbling Stream there was no response. He was unable to reel in the leader and dropped to third inside the final 150 yards as Knockraha Boss came with a strong finish.

Exactoris was driven out to win by a length from Knockraha Boss (16/1).

Aidan O'Brien said: "He's a lovely, big, honest galloping horse and while he was a baby the first day, has grown up with each run.

"They went a good gallop for two miles three furlongs and Sarah gave him a lovely ride."

On Gleneagles, he commented: "He seems to be fine. The ground has been holding us up all year and I was saying 'no' (to him running) all year. We always do what is right for the horse and he is a very low moving, very fast miler and I should have said no again yesterday.

"We'll do a little bit with him in the morning and we'll also make an entry (for the Breeders Cup) in the morning."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.