Scott Key has Slattery dreaming of next year

Scott Key provided Andy Slattery with his second winner of the week in the Watch Danny's Diary - 15 Years Of Tote Memories Handicap.

Making the breakthrough on heavy ground at Gowran in April, the Pat Garvey-owned bay failed to make a significant impact in two starts since.

Given a break since his last outing, the 83-rated victor was sent off an 18/1 chance this evening and raced towards rear under Ben Coen.

Making progress through the field on the approach to the straight, he was ridden with over a furlong to go and soon made further inroads.

Edging to the front inside the final 150 yards, he ultimately outstayed Refreshment with half-a-length between them at the line.

The Mark Fahey-trained runner-up, who came widest of all into the straight, was also returned at 18/1, while Mathan (10/1) was another length-and-three-quarters back in third.

The subject of strong market support, Sujet (1/1f from 5/2 early) couldn't match the principals in the closing stages and eventually finished fourth.

"We're delighted. We were expecting a big run coming down," Brian Slattery, representing his brother, commented.

"He went with the cut in the ground. He's a horse that we've always liked at home and he's always shown us plenty.

"He had a good run the last day that was better than what his finishing position said.

"Hopefully we can dream now of the Colm Quinn BMW Mile next year, hopefully he'll be good enough to come back for that.

"He's a good tough horse. He's still learning, he's still immature and improving. Hopefully he keeps going the right way."

Striking in the bumper on Monday, the impressive Gomez Addams provided Slattery with his first winner of the week.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Lady O ridden by K.G. Kennedy, unplaced, Far From Dandy ridden by J. Kearney, placed fifth, and Sunriseontheboyne ridden by W. Joyce, unplaced, where it appeared Sunriseontheboyne ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. W. Joyce stated that his race was run when he hit the hill and the horses came around him. J. Kearney stated that there was a gap when he went for it but then the horse on his outside rolled in. K. G. Kennedy stated that he was unaware of the horse on his inside and his mount rolled in but he straightened his mount as soon as he heard a roar. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action other than to advise K. G. Kennedy and J. Kearney to ride with more caution in future.

B.M. Coen, rider of Scott Key, trained by Andrew Slattery, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount leaned left in the last fifty yards.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson