Nermal has options after breakthrough success Nermal made the breakthrough when trying handicap company for the first time in the Conor Cassidy Car Sales-sponsored event over ten furlongs. Andy Slattery’s charge had been placed in three maidens this year and went to post 5/2 favourite to get his head in front. Ben Coen, recording a double on the card, produced the James Garfield gelding to challenge passing the furlong pole and he asserted in the closing stages for a two-and-a-half length success over Vantage Code. “The last day they didn’t go much of a gallop but three of them took each other on there and it was a big help to us,” said Willie Slattery afterwards. “He’s an okay little horse, he deserved that but he could be at the full of his handicap mark now. “I'd say we’ll start popping him over hurdles. We’ll probably try him in another handicap but he could start schooling away there now.”
