Flying Fortress denies gamble in Ballinrobe maiden The Gavin Cromwell trained Flying Fortress denied one of the biggest gambles of the day when staying on strongly to win the Brian Forkan Construction Maiden at Ballinrobe. Not without his own supporters(14/1-9/2), the mount of Gary Carroll led over 200 yards out, before holding the late run of the Ben Coen partnered Wertpol. The latter gelding, trained by Johnny Murtagh, had been as low as 15/8f at one stage this morning, from an opening price of 28/1. At least a dozen horses held chances of sorts turning into the home straight. Amplitude briefly headed Cinammon Coco after the furlong pole but both were quickly overtaken by Flying Fortress. Coen had to come around the outside of runners on the eventual second but having held every chance 100 yards out, he could find no extra close home. “This horse is after having a couple of goes in maidens, ridden handy and positive and that’s what you want for around here,” said Gary Carroll. “He pinged the gates, got a lovely position, and travelled and I know he’ll stay further as well. It was nicely done. “His work was good. Garvan Donnelly bought him from the sales for the syndicate. “He’s a horse that’ll probably go a bit further, that ground or slower will suit him. I said to the lads ‘we’re going to have fun with him and he’ll win again’. “He pricked his ears a little bit but when Ben (Coen) came he went again. He’s a good genuine horse and he tries hard. Around these small tracks he’s uncomplicated.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
