'I liked how she quickened in tough conditions' - second strings to the rescue for Ballydoyle

Second strings rescued the day for Ballydoyle as both their odds-on chances disappointed in the opening two maidens, but the races were salvaged by lesser-fancied stablemates. 

Venosa had been used as a pacemaker in recent starts and was given her chance to shine in the 1m½f maiden, where she was sent off the 10-11 favourite. However, it was 7-1 shot Classiest who stormed past her in the straight and won going away from Flawless Fusion.

Winning rider Declan McDonogh said: “When I got out from behind the cover and running against the hill, she picked up very well. I’d say there’s a good bit more in there and I liked how she quickened in tough conditions.”

Ronan Whelan was on the wrong one in the opener, but he was on the other side in the 7f maiden when 7-2 chance Proposition ran on well to deny 5-6 favourite Garden Party. 

O’Connor gets compensation

Donagh O’Connor was a shade unlucky aboard the Ross O’Sullivan-trained San Aer in the 1m½f handicap, where he started awkwardly and got going too late to claw back the in-form Ribee.

Yet, the trainer-and-rider duo got their compensation in the 7f nursery, where Down The Glen won authoritatively at 17-2.

O’Connor said: “I was disappointed not to win the first, but this lad has done the job. The key to him was the ground, and he’ll be a nice horse next year.”

It got even better for O'Sullivan when 8-1 chance Slurricane won the 1m4f handicap under Shane Foley.

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