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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Salhooda justifies prohibitive odds

Mon 27th May 2013, 18:41

Salhooda is driven out by Pat Smullen Salhooda is driven out by Pat Smullen
© Photo Healy Racing

Salhooda appreciated the big drop in class from the Cheshire Oaks to a fillies winners’ race at Ballinrobe when making all to justify 30/100 favouritism under Pat Smullen.

The hot-favourite was well-supported on track from an opening show of 2/5 but those who took the odds had a few anxious moments as Kiss Goodnight (5/1) mounted a challenge in the straight.

However the Dermot Weld-trained daughter of Nayef found more than enough when asked a few questions by Smullen in the final furlong to score by two lengths. Musical Peace was prominent for much of the nine-furlong trip but wilted from the home turn to finish another six and a half lengths back in third.

Smullen said afterwards, “It wasn’t ideal making the running and she laboured a bit. She idled in front but I knew she’d find a bit and she’ll be a better filly with a lead.

“Alot of people doing the form failed to notice that she slipped at the first bend in Chester and that ended her chances.”

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.