Ostraka strikes in Curragh finale Ostraka won for the first time since her surprise debut success in May of last year, as she defied top-weight in the concluding FBD Hotels And Resorts Saturday Series Handicap. A runner-up on first start for Danny Murphy at Cork in June, the Profitable four-year-old failed to make a significant impact in three outings since. Down to a mark of 74 and sent off a 13/2 chance this afternoon, the James Ryan ridden bay was never far from the pace, travelling strongly to lead with over a furlong to go. Soon pushed along, she comfortably held her rivals at bay and was three quarters of a length clear of the fast-finishing Irish Rumour (11/1) at the line. Dual Dundalk winner James Henry (11/2) was half a length away in third, while Mersi Diamond, who was returned the 4/1 favourite, could only manage a disappointing 12th. "She travels well and the only thing I said to James is you'll have no cover but he's a good kid," Murphy commented. "She won here before and has been a bit disappointing but maybe we're on the up again." STEWARDS REPORT The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Merisi Diamond, trained by Ms. Joanna Morgan, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
