Takar atones for disappointing Guineas run
On another wet night at the Dublin track, the John Oxx-trained 4/7 shot bounced back from a disappointing run in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, with Murtagh oozing confidence throughout the one-mile trip, in ground which had deteriorated to ‘heavy’ after the third race, following torrential rain.
Having stalked the leaders, Murtagh was poised to challenge between leaders Soul Custody and Simla Sunset early in the straight before being denied an opening and switching his mount left to challenge.
In front soon after the furlong-pole, Takar simply outclassed his four rivals, sprinting clear to beat Soul Custody by four and a quarter lengths.
Murtagh said: “I don’t know what happened him in the Guineas — he was beaten at the three-furlong pole, Maybe the ground was too quick. This was more like him tonight. I tried to fill him with confidence, which you can do at this level and he enjoyed it.
“I’m sure he’ll step up in class again now. Seven furlongs or a mile is ideal for him.”
Pedro The Great, a half-brother to Foostepinthesand by first season since Henrythenavigator, justified hefty off-course support when bolting up in the opening two-year-old maiden.
Improving dramatically from his debut run in the listed event won by Dawn Approach at Naas, Pedro The Great made all and quickened clear of well-touted newcomer Wexford Opera in eye-catching style, opening an advantage of four and a quarter lengths at the line.
Winning rider Seamus Heffernan, fresh from his Royal Ascot breakthrough win on Ishvana on Wednesday, commented: “Joseph said he was very green the first day at Naas. But he wasn’t as green today. He learned a lot from Naas and picked up well in that soft ground. He’s another nice Henrythenavigator and a nice prospect.”
Succesful here last Thursday and raised 7lb. by the handicapper, course specialist Strandfield Lady registered her seventh win over course and distance when defying top-weight of 10-5 in the Leopardstown Members Club Handicap over a mile and a quarter, proving too lengths superior to Miss Forde, to which she was conceding 29lb.
“She’s an amazing mare,” stated delighted trainer Harry Rogers. “I thought the weight would stop her tonight. I always believed she was a fast-ground mare but last week and tonight have taught me otherwise. She picked up well again.”
He added, “After last week, the plan was to go for the Ulster Oaks in Down Royal on Saturday. But I saw only a handful of runners in this race yesterday morning and decided to come here. The race in the north is still an option. But she probably deserves a little rest.”
