Sussex makes all to beat Shajak © Photo Healy Racing
Sussex (15/8) was another to make all on the Navan card and his win in the 1m2f conditions race completed a double for Wayne Lordan after longshot As It Was in the opener.
Aidan O'Brien 's Galileo colt, a maiden winner at Gowran last term and fourth in the Curragh Cup over 1m6f last time out, was pursued by favourite Fumata After that one weakened two furlongs out, it was Shajak who came through to chase the winner approaching the furlong marker but he never looked like getting on terms as Sussex was ridden out for a two and a quarter length success.
11/10 market leader Fumata, eased in the closing stages by Shane Foley, was found to be lame post-race.
Stable representative Chris Armstrong said: "He was well in on ratings and he ran a very good race last time at the Curragh in a Group race.
"When you look at him at that trip, he is versatile.
"He had to back up his run last time going to 102 and, in fairness, he did it. When Wayne gave him a flick, he went on again.
"He was very well in at the conditions mind you, but there were maybe a few progressive ones in it and he has done it well now.
"He's a lovely horse physically and he has plenty of ability. Hopefully we will put him back up into stakes company, there are a few races coming up for him in the next five weeks.
"Last time we were surprised how well he took to the 1m6f race when he ran a good race in fourth. Obviously, we dropped him back because this race came in at the right time.
"Anything between 1m2f and 1m6f, he is versatile."
Quotes from Michael Graham
