Coen hits back in title race on Chips Sam Coen went one up again in the apprentice title race when Chipsrdown landed the concluding mile handicap at Gowran Park today. The far rail proved the place to be again as the 9/4 favourite lead a furlong-and-a-half from home and stayed on well in the closing stages to post a two-and-a-half length verdict over Cause I Like You. It was a follow-up success for the Andy Slattery-trained filly, who had also won on her last outing at Leopardstown. "It was grand to get one out of the day,” said Slattery. “She's won her last two. We gave her a break during the summer because the ground was gone too quick. “We'll tip away now on a bit of soft ground and probably even step her up to a mile-and-a-quarter. She always showed a good bit but disappointed a lot of times. “Andrew had to stand down today to give Sam the chance of another winner. He'll have to stand down on a few of them now for that. “Sam is a bit heavy so it's his last chance (for the apprentice championship)." (Quotes by John O’Riordan)
