Across the Card Double for Marnane The well-backed Oasis Davis (from as big as 5s in the morning) initiated an across the card double for David Marnane in the Grant Thornton Maiden at Limerick, the 20/1 brace being completed at Down Royal by Vanishing Causeway, under David Casey, in the Finlay Communications Handicap Hurdle. Oasis Davis is owned by Theresa Marnane, wife of David´s brother Con - the major sales consignor. The 2/1 market-leader was a comfortable two and a half length victor in the hands of Michael Cleere (now based with Andy and Willie Slattery). He may have won two races on soft ground in France but Vanishing Causeway is obviously versatile in terms of underfoot conditions as he showed with a five length success in the second at Down Royal. This son of Giant´s Causeway is very well-bred, being a half-brother to Purple Moon (2007 Ebor hero and Melbourne Cup runner-up). Vespone and La Sylphide are other half-brothers. That pair were more than useful in France. Bansha House Stables handler Marnane has his string in excellent fettle, Maal scoring for the yard at Leopardstown on Wednesday night.
