Coul Angel takes Bold Lad for Appleby and Marquand Coul Angel justified strong support in the opening race on day two of the Irish Champions Festival when taking the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Bold Lad Sprint Handicap in impressive fashion at the Curragh. The Mick Appleby-trained gelding, available at 13/2 this morning and sent off the 7/2 favourite, was gaining a sixth career win in this €150,000 six-furlong event. Tom Marquand’s mount made headway travelling well over a furlong out and quickened clear inside the final 150 yards to beat Red Evolution by two and three-quarter lengths. Dark Thirty was just a head back in third with Sondad completing the places in fourth. Appleby said, “He did it very well; I’m very pleased. “I thought we’d win. It was a tough handicap. He’s been in great form and he’s been unlucky a few times at York. “Tom gave him a great ride; he’s kept straight today as well which he doesn’t normally do. The key was being patient with him. “After York I sort of looked at this race and thought it would be an ideal race for him. We’ve had a few runners in it before and it was the perfect race for him, and the track was ideal. We’re two from two here. “We’ll see how he comes out of it and then have a look and see what else there is for him. “I think he’ll keep improving; he’s not the full article yet. I think he’ll definitely improve again next year.” Quotes by Gary Carson
