Last season's champion apprentice Tadhg O'Shea, whose claim will be reduced from 5lb to 3lb this week, was seen to good effect aboard Exceptional Paddy as the Michael Halford-trained gelding justified strong support in the FBD Multiperil Race.
O'Shea's mount was backed from 8/1 to 5/1, and just got up in the final strides to deny favourite Tiger Royal by a head with Scarlet Velvet three-quarters-of-a-length back in third. 'He loves soft ground and a straight course, and will come back here for a Listed race over six furlongs on May 10,' said Halford, while Scarlet Velvet 'hated the ground' and is likely to reoppose in that Cork contest.
John Oxx also has a Cork Listed race in mind for Miss Honorine, who showed tremendous improvement from her recent Tipperary debut to record an easy victory under John Murttagh in the EBF Fillies Maiden. 'She was very sleepy at Tipperary, and I thought she would need another run. I may bring her back here for the Blue Wind Stakes over ten furlongs on May 17,' said Oxx.
Aidan O'Brien believes that Marino Marini may be Royal Ascot class, and the Storm Cat colt made a successful debut under Mick Kinane in the juvenile maiden. 'The wet and windy conditions were far from ideal for him today, and he was very raw and green in the closing stages. He is a lovely colt but really needs fast ground,' said O'Brien.
Niall McCullagh partnered his first winner of the campaign when sending Cruiskeen Lawn clear at the furlong pole before holding off the challenge of Mr Houdini by a-length-and-a-half in the FBD Handicap.
Ruby Walsh followed up his spectacular four-timer at Ayr on Saturday when successfully deputising for Paul Hourigan (stomach bug) on Native Performance in the FBD Insurance Handicap Chase. 'He may run at Punchestown later this week, and the Galway Plate is the long-term plan,' said trainer Michael Hourigan.
Alan Magee
