O'Brien doubles up as Dancing Saxon justifies favouritism

Trainer Joseph O'Brien followed up his win in the previous race as Dancing Saxon justified 13/8f under Dylan Browne McMonagle to win the Clayton Hotel Galway Handicap.

A winner at Limerick earlier this month, the filly was 16lb well-in here following a second placed finish in Listed company at Naas just five days ago.

Held up towards rear in the early stages of the race, the daughter of Saxon Warrior was pushed along to close on the leaders entering the straight.

Getting to Motta Alta over 100 yards out, Dancing Saxon powered clear to beat the staying on Expert Dancer by four-and-a-quarter lengths.

“She hasn’t coped with soft ground like that before but I thought Dylan gave her a fantastic ride,” said O’Brien.

“The pace was very strong early and he was cool, and then he moved at the right time.

“She obviously was well handicapped.

“She’ll probably step back into stakes company now and we’ll see if we can get some more black-type.

“David and Linda Fish will breed from her long-term.”

(Quotes by Gary Carson)