Favourite, Downdraft bagged the listed Lenabane Stakes for the O’Brien brothers in Roscommon last night.
Following the withdrawal of his intended mount Kangaroo Valley, Donnacha switched to Downdraft and, having tracked original favourite Masaff, quickened into the lead approaching the furlong-pole before holding Massif Central by a half-length and then surviving a Stewards Enquiry.
The winning rider explained: “I knew my horse had a nice turn of foot, we went very slow and I was happy to keep sitting before I made my move.
“I wanted to get to the furlong and a half before I pressed the button. He picked up well and got the job done. I’m not sure where he’ll go next – I’ll leave that to Joseph.”
Earlier, Jessica Harrington (inset) continued her purple parch with a 144/1 double.
Newcomer Justina (16/1), ridden by Tom Madden, foiled odds-on favourite Potala Palace in the opening maiden, her trainer’s 12th win with her team of two-year-old fillies this season.
And stable-jockey Shane Foley was on board dual Dundalk winner Calling Time, which recorded her
first success on turf when getting the better of Highly Approved and favourite Festina Plente in the
seven-furlong fillies handicap.
Today attention switches to National Hunt action in Roscommon, when a tricky seven-race card will face punters.
The Paul Nolan-trained Shawshank is a hopeful nap choice in the Connolly’s Red Mills Rated Novice Hurdle, having bolted-up by 11 lengths in a maiden hurdle on his local track, Wexford, last time.
Earlier, on the same track, he had a maiden at his mercy when making a bizarre exit after the second last.
He’s hard to assess but, on the basis of his potential, gets the vote to beat Judgement Day, John Kiely’s promising mare Penny Out and the Elliott pair, Soldier At War and Everybreathyoutake.
Earlier, Joseph O’Brien’s Treasure Chest, up 5lb. for a battling victory over subsequent handicap hurdle winner Perfect Leader in Clonmel, might be capable of following-up in the Abbey Hotel Roscommon Handicap Chase.
The Abbey shaped with promise on his first start for Gordon Elliott, when beaten a length and a half by Celebrity Status at Kilbeggan.
Trying a new trip in the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle, Kate O’Farrell’s should have every chance.
And, John Neilan’s Getaway Some Day, the mount of Susie Doyle, should be noted in the bumper.
Peter O’Hehir's picks
6.00.Eoline Jolie
6.30.Treasure Chest
7.00.The Abbey
7.30.Shawshank (Nap)
8.00.Ashqar
8.30.Watching Brief
9.00.Getaway Some Day
Next Best
6.00.Isle Of Destiny
6.30.Little Haarth
7.00.City Limits
7.30.Penny Out
8.00.Iamastartoo
8.30.Humps And Bumps
9.00.Caer
Double: Treasure Chest and Shawshank.
O’Hehir’s Longshot: FlyingMary (8.00.)
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