Minella Mate, second left, outbattles Captain's Pick, left© Photo Healy Racing
Minella Mate rallied to winning effect in the concluding bumper at Kilbeggan.
The 4/5 favourite yielded the lead to Captain's Pick who scooted up his inside straightening for home.
The new leader looked set to forge on, however, he wandered in the final 150 yards and Minella Mate got a sniff of victory as he rallied. The pair made contact in the final 100 yards, but it was Minella Mate who did the best late work to come in by three-parts of a length for John Gleeson.
Captain's Pick had to settle for second at 11/4 and was four and a-half lengths in front of Sequestered (33/1).
He's tough, he's a Shantou and they keep battling,” said trainer John Nallen.
"He gave him a great ride and he stuck at it.
“He had good runs and we always said he was a good horse. He got a knocked a little when we schooled him and we just had to take our time with him.
“He had a good run in Gowran the first day behind a Grade 1 horse. I think he'll be grand.
“He has a little mark on him, but he's grand. If he's not sold sure it's grand to get a day out with one too.
“We loaded up whoever was around in the hotel at 4.30am and came on here. The horses are going well thank God.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
