Smooth success for Spangled Sands The market principals dominated in the Fitzpatricks Mercedes-Benz Irish EBF Maiden, with the Joseph O'Brien-trained Spangled Sands ultimately coming out on top. A runner-up on his first two starts, the E130,000 Goffs Orby Sale purchase was sent off a 5/4 chance for this seven-furlong heat and raced mainly in second under Dylan Browne McMonagle. Joining market leader White Sand Beach (11/10f) with more than quarter of a mile to race, the chestnut victor travelled best and gained an outright advantage with over a furlong to go, stretching clear in the closing stages to score by a decisive four-and-a-half lengths. Newcomer Zia Zabel (8/1 from 20s early) came through to take second under Seamie Heffernan for Natalia Lupini, while the aforementioned favourite was another length-and-a-half away in third. "He was impressive. He ran well in what I'd say was a good maiden in Gowran last time. He has been acquired by new owners (Chris So Chun Hung) and I'm delighted that they are willing to give him a chance to race in Ireland for a little while," O'Brien remarked. "Looking at that performance he might be around for a little bit longer. He looks a stakes horse in the making and if he was to run again the Killavullan would be an obvious race, but we'll see how he is and discuss it with the ownership group." Additional reporting by Alan Magee
