Vulturi takes a major step towards reaching another Classic final

Derby finalist Vulturi, trained by Liam Dowling (inset) took a major step towards another Classic final when winning a very competitive first quarter-final of the Kerry Agribusiness St Leger on Saturday night at Limerick.

Droopys Nidge was sent off the 4-7 favourite and he looked well positioned as he raced upsides Elevenerife on the approach to the first turn. He received a bump on the bend but was again alongside the leader as they raced into the third turn.

With Vulturi and Burgess Oscar making giant strides to join the leaders at that point, room was at a premium and it was the inside runners who came off best.