Bethrah delivers with minimum of fuss
The daughter of Marju was always a short price for the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Fillies Maiden, and justified the cramped odds with the minimum of fuss.
Taken into the lead from the start by Pat Smullen, she only had to be nudged out through the final furlong to score unextended by three and a half lengths.
Weld was represented by his son, Kris, who reported: “This is a useful filly, who ran very well in the Million at the Curragh. She will probably now go for the Derrinstown Guineas Trial at Leopardstown.”
The Weld-Smullen duo completed a double when the hitherto frustrating Sublime Talent finally delivered in the Limerick Run Maiden.
Produced with impeccable timing by Smullen, the son of Sadler’s Wells stayed on to beat Ruler Of All by a neck.
Commented Kris Weld: “He’s had his problems, Pat gave him a brilliant ride. He will go for a handicap and a maiden hurdle isn’t too far away.”
Hawkhill, taken as high as 12-1 in the morning, was returned at 9-2 and landed the wagers in the www.limerickraces.ie Online Special Packages Handicap.
Partnered by Gary Carroll, the Hawk Wing gelding powered through late to beat Time Machine and Gra Geal Mo Chroi.
Michael Halford, enjoying his third success of the season, said: “He won his maiden well here last year, but things went wrong after that.
“But he had a long break and has come back a stronger horse. He will go for another handicap and is big enough to jump a hurdle.”
Kevin Prendergast’s Dance Hall Girl easily reversed previous Curragh placings with Majestic Dancer in the Twilight Summer Racing Maiden.
Given a smashing drive by Chris Hayes, the daughter of Dansili came from what looked a less than promising position to win easily.
She was only fifth into the straight, but quickened nicely for Hayes to power past the flattering Big Bad Billy Bob inside the furlong pole.
Tsar Paul, who landed a big morning-price gamble at Dundalk — 14-1 to 4’s — was entrusted with favouritism in the €5 After Five Handicap.
He had a bad draw, however, and had a lot to do from an early stage. Pat Smullen gradually worked him into the race and when Tsar Paul began to stay on powerfully up the centre of the track, he looked sure to score approaching the final furlong.
His earlier exertions, though, took their toll and he had nothing left as Padraig Beggy produced Slapper with a perfectly timed challenge to grab the initiative close home.
Aidan O’Brien’s inmates are now beginning to hit top gear and his Encompassing proved a snug winner of the Spin Southwest Student Raceday Maiden.
The choicely-bred son of Montjeu had been costly to follow, but stripped in good shape here.
Hot-pot, Rocky Elsom, tried to make all, but the winner eased past with less than a furlong to travel for Johnny Murtagh to score by an easy two and a half lengths.
No One Tells Me went off a tight 11-8 chance to take the 16-runner It’s A Student’s Life Handicap.
Jessica Harrington’s mare won alright, but not before giving supporters more than a scare or two along the way. In the end, Fran Berry persuaded the five-year-old to put her best foot forward and she was well in charge through the last furlong.
