Midnight Horizon defying the handicapper It was all change for in-running backers in the Comer Homes Handicap at Fairyhouse as well-backed Midnight Horizon won for the second race in a row. Tomarlo made good ground to pick up a narrow lead from a bunched field approaching the final furlong, but the initiative didn't last long as last-to-first Tropical Retreat headed him inside the final furlong. She soon attempted to go for home, but Midnight Horizon engaged top gear and ran her down close home to win a shade snugly by a length and a-quarter at 5/2 backed in from 6/1. Runner-up Tropical Retreat went off at 11/1 and was a length and a-half in front of Send Harry (14/1). Midnight Horizon also scored on her last start in the Curragh and was up a stone in the weights today. Jockey Joey Sheridan said: “She jumped well, I thought we went very hard early. I saw the favourite (Storm Piece) in front and I said if they keep this up hopefully we might peg them back. “I was flat out and I gave her a chance, I got a little bit of a check early. I just let her float away into the race by herself. “Even when I turned in, the horse that finished second quickened around me and I said I’m not going to go chasing to get out and put her into the race that early. “I said I’d give her a chance and ride her to get there. It’s dead ground and they are not finishing today unless you ride them to finish - it worked out well for us anyway. “When they go hard over six it suited her the last day and today. Maybe stepping up to seven might eke out a bit more improvement in her. “I thought a stone (rise) was harsh the last day. I know she won well, but it was a weak race. I thought 14lb was plenty, but maybe he was right. “Maybe better ground would suit as well.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
