South Island puts his experience to good use in Curragh opener South Island put his experience to good use, as he made virtually all in the opener at the Curragh, the Tote 20K Euros Guaranteed Placepot Today Irish EBF Maiden. Fifth, second and sixth in three previous starts, the Donnacha O'Brien-trained victor came in for good market support this afternoon and while available at 13/2 in early shows, he eventually went off a 7/2 chance. Holding a definite advantage with quarter of a mile to race, he was ridden over a furlong out and soon extended his lead, keeping on well in the closing stages to score by a length-and-three-quarters. Returned the 10/11 favourite, the Aidan O'Brien-trained Cape Cod had no excuses in second, while newcomer Enceladus (8/1) made it a 1-2-3 for the O'Brien family, with this one another three-and-a-half lengths away in third. "He's always worked like a very nice horse and I've been disappointed with him once or twice," the winning trainer revealed. "I don't think he needs that far but I thought he'd be able to dictate against less experienced rivals over that track and trip. "They went slow, and it turned into a bit of a dash. What his trip will be next year I'm not sure but he's a fine, big, strong horse and what Al Riffa has done over a mile and six would make you think he should stay pretty well next year. "He looks like a nice horse going forward." Additional reporting by Alan Magee
