T For Tango and Pat Smullen fend off Guessthebill and Connor King© Photo Healy Racing
The James Nash-trained and HLT Partnership-owned T For Tango landed a gamble in the Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Maiden (Plus 10 Race) at Naas.
Pat Smullen was aboard the Zoffany colt and he knew his job on debut, quickening well when required and then holding on from Guessthebill at the line by a head. Aidan O'Brien's first two-year-old runner of the campaign, Sioux Nation was two and three parts of a length back in third.
Backed in from 14/1 and bigger earlier, to a returned 5/1, T For Tango's performance prompted Nash to say: "He's been a lovely horse all the way through and never once disappointed. I didn't think he would win but I was hoping he'd run well. Pat really likes him.
"On his pedigree we think he wants better ground. He cost plenty of money at the time but it looks well spent now. Hopefully I can keep him as there is sure to be plenty interested in him. There will be no rush with him and I've no particular plans."
(AM & EM)
