Red Evolution strikes in Naas The Michael O'Callaghan-trained Red Evolution (9/2) was the winner of the Matchbook Betting Exchange Handicap for jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle. The four-year-old son of Mehmas has run consistently well this season and was able to travel well throughout the contest. At the two-furlong pole, he was given his urgings from rider Dylan Browne McMonagle to pick up the Harry Rogers-trained Gotham Catch Them All, and he did so in the final half-furlong to record victory by half a length. Speaking after the race, trainer Michael O'Callaghan said: “We just wanted to get this lad a bit of a confidence booster. He’s been pitched into two high-class handicaps at the Curragh this year,” said O’Callaghan. “We felt dropping in grade would help and sticking at six. Dylan was happy with him today. He said he jumped well, travelled and was able to get a tow into the race and hit the line strongly. “He felt like that should have helped him plenty confidence-wise and he thought he was probably better than the winning margin. “We’ll probably stick to six for now and have a look at the programme book. We’ll see what the handicapper does with him. “Last year he looked like a very progressive, and potentially high-class sprinter. Hopefully now we can get him back into that group. “Dylan said the stiff six is key to him. There was enough pace early today that he was able to relax and get him into a rhythm.” (Quotes from Gary Carson)
