Salford City runs rivals ragged under inspired Carberry ride
There was no fluke about it, however, after the six-year-old was given an inspired drive by Nina Carberry.
She allowed Salford City stride on over the third and he then proceeded to run his rivals ragged. Her brother, Paul, tried to close on the favourite, Definite Spectacle, approaching the home turn, but Ms Carberry had got it spot-on and Salford City was never going to come back to the field.
Said Elliott: “The ground is the key and Nina was brilliant. He has to have his ground and two miles.
“He has a few problems, otherwise would be top class. Cheltenham next month could be next, if there’s a suitable race, and he should make some chaser next season.”
Salford City had been beaten in a moderate race at Fontwell previously, but Elliott had a ready explanation. “He was slated in the papers for that performance, but they over-watered the track”, he said.
Northern Bay, impressive when taking his maiden at Down Royal, made an even bigger impression with a stylish victory in the Ballykisteen Hotel and Gold Resort Joe Mac Novice Hurdle.
This was a much harder test, but he came through with flying colours, making every yard of the running for David Casey.
Said trainer, Eoin Griffin: “We think a lot of him, but he’s quirky with a lot of ability. He has to have that type of ground, he won’t go on the soft.”
Casey completed a double aboard Colm Murphy’s Total Victory in the Killerk Construction Handicap Hurdle.
Pushed ahead early in the straight, he powered clear to easily beat stable companion, Frontier Lady.
“He seems to be improving and, hopefully, will be able to win another one”, said Murphy, who only has Total Victory some two months.
Murphy also landed a double when the polished Matty O’Connor produced Zaarito with impeccable timing inside the furlong pole to win the Tipperary Co-Op Hardware and Supervalu Bumper.
The five-year-old got off the mark at the first time of asking at Kilbeggan and looks one with a future.
Said Murphy: “We have always thought a lot of him, he’s a real nice horse. I’d imagine hurdling will be next, he jumps well, but will be given a bit of time first.”
French Accordion, successful previously at Killarney and Listowel, stepped up in class to complete a hat-trick in the O’Dweyer Steel Like-A-Butterfly Novice Chase.
Strongly handled by John Cullen, he emerged as the only danger to the sweet-jumping market-leader, Cool Running, early in the straight.
Cool Running was awkward over the final fence, but it made no difference and the winner had already taken his measure at that stage.
Commented trainer, Paul Nolan: “I am delighted with the way he has come on, he had been very disappointing.
“I think we can step him up in trip now, although John is doubtful about his ability to stay three miles.”
Mick Kinane may have missed out on ‘Arc day, who can remember the last time that happened?, but had a measure of compensation when taking the Coolmore Stud Home Of Champions Concorde Stakes.
He was seen at his best, driving Eastern Appeal ahead inside the furlong pole to beat fast-finishing Excelerate in a contest in which less than half a length covered the first four home.
Said trainer, Michael Halford: “She comes into her own in the autumn. This is a tough filly, Mick felt she was idling in front.
“We might take her to America now for a Grade 1, there isn’t a whole lot to lose at this time of the season.”
The consistent Senor Benny redeemed the promise of his recent second at the Curragh with a clear-cut success in the Listed Abergwaun Stakes.
Partnered by Declan McDonogh, he forged clear from the furlong pole to beat Empirical Power and Benwilt Breeze. Commented trainer, Michael McDonagh: “We will probably take him to France now for a Group 3.”
Aidan O’Brien’s King Of Rome was all the rage morning-prices for the High Chaparral EBF Maiden, with all the 6-4 soon drying up.
He was returned at 4-5 and won with a lot in hand, after Seamus Heffernan had eased the Montjeu colt into the lead with over a furlong to run. He quickly sprinted away to score unextended by five and a half lengths.
