Belle overcomes tough draw in Christmas Oaks

Cromac Belle overcame a tough-looking draw to win the €7,000-to-the-winner Gain Dog Foods Christmas Oaks on Saturday night at Shelbourne Park. The bitch was most impressive from the inside box in the semi-finals, and a switch to the outside made little difference as she produced a similarly emphatic performance for Jim O’Kane, Belfast.

The 7-2 chance posted a 2.00 sectional to lead up and, with room at a premium along the inner, she led around from Lislevane Swift, who had to ride a hefty bump to turn second. The latter tried hard to bridge the gap and, although she certainly made inroads, the strong-running leader stayed on well to deny her by a length, in 28.65, with Springwell Watsy back in third.

Last year’s Christmas Oaks winner, Jacks Top Gal, was also on the mark, winning the Gain Brown Bread Nuggets A1 525 for Darragh Morrissey. There was early trouble as De Real Mccoy moved inwards in the early yards, and the bitch took full advantage to lead into the turn. She was some four clear down the back and held that rival by two and a half lengths, in 28.73.