Bitin’s stamina proves crucial
Just 6lbs higher then when scoring a narrow success 12 months ago, the Eoin Griffin trained four-year-old was sent off a strong 15/8 favourite but needed all of Davey Condon’s strength to get past Shauna’s Vision inside the final furlong for an ultimately cosy two lengths victory.
Don’t Be Bitin’s stamina proved crucial as he recorded his second win on the level, to the delight of trainer Griffin who explained: “He probably needs two and a half miles over hurdles and needed every yard of today’s trip. He’s on a decent hurdle mark and I think he’s capable of winning a big handicap over the winter months but we’ll keep him on the flat for the moment and he’ll probably run in either the Irish Cesarewitch (at the Curragh on Sunday) or the Leopardstown November Handicap.”
Master Ofthe Chase, having only his second run over fences, turned over the front running favourite Kahuna in the featured Grade 3 Kilbegnet Novice Chase.
David Casey produced the Charlie Swan trained seven-year-old with a perfectly timed challenge to lead at the final fence and draw clear for an emphatic victory and trainer Swan was full of praise for the winning rider in his post race comments.
Swan said: “David gave him a super ride. He got him jumping well and never gave Kahuna too much rope. I think he’s a decent horse and there’s plenty more improvement in him. I’m not sure whether he’ll run again but, if the ground turns heavy, I’ll definitely put him away until the Spring.”
Kahuna, a first ride back for Shay Barry after a lengthy knee injury, dictated the pace and jumped well. He looked the likely winner until turning for home but Casey always looked confident before delivering Master Ofthe Chase with his winning challenge.
Trainer Eamonn “Dusty” Sheehy enjoyed better luck in the bumper when The Deadly got the better of a titanic battle with The Boxer Roche. Ridden by Kevin Power, Sheehy’s charge stayed on dourly up the straight and only got on top well inside the final furlong.
Sheehy considers The Deadly an exciting jumping prospect and will launch him over hurdles in the coming weeks.
The combination of Noel Meade and Paul Carberry, lucky to enjoy big race success with Harchibald at Tipperary on Sunday, clicked again when Masrahi scored a smooth success in the Brogans Bakery Novice Hurdle. Clearly appreciating the easy going, Masrahi crept into contention under an ultra confident ride from Carberry to beat Impersonator without coming off the bridle.
Curragh trainer Michael Grassick is enjoying a fine run of success and saddled Debutante Gemini Gold to score a convincing win in the opening two year old filly’s maiden. The experienced Andramad and Global Wings appeared to have the race between them with two furlongs to race before Niall McCullagh produced Grassick’s filly to take command at the furling pole and stretch clear.
Grassick explained: “She’s always been a nice filly and the softer ground certainly helped. I’ll consider running her in the listed Silken Glider stakes at the Curragh or we might put her away until next year.”
