18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

Hardy juvenile Wood Ranger opens account at Naas

Wood Ranger and Nathan Crosse Wood Ranger and Nathan Crosse
© Photo Healy Racing

Wood Ranger looks a progressive juvenile after defying top-weight in the Foran Equine Irish EBF Nursery at Naas.

The Kodi Bear gelding was in the money on all three previous starts including a valuable Ballyhane-sponsored race at this venue and justified strong market support going off the 15/8 favourite. Fine Distraction set a blistering pace in this six-furlong event with Wood Ranger the only one to keep in touch with the trailblazer.

Nathan Crosse ’s mount led early in the final furlong and drew clear to score by two and three quarter lengths, with King Wasp another two and a quarter lengths away in third.

Winning trainer Willie McCreery said, “I was trying to get him into the main race (Foran Auction Race Final) but it’s nice to pick up the (Plus 10) bonus here.

“He’s probably a seven-furlong horse but we had to run him with the good prize-money here today. A good strong gallop suited him.

“It’s tough old ground out there and he’s a hardy horse. We’ll try and find another race for him as he loves that ground.”

1st
15/8Fav
Tote €2.60 €1.10
2nd
2.75L
22/1
€5.50
3rd
2.25L
28/1
€7.70
4th
3L
10/1
About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.