Balkito shows his staying prowess

Balkito doubled his win total with a solid performance in the extended three mile handicap chase at Limerick.

The 7/2 co favourite tracked front-running Wishmoor throughout before easing to the front at the fifth last.

He had Sir Bob for company turning towards the second last but found plenty when the question was asked by his jockey Eoin Walsh.

The Balko seven-year-old stayed on well on the run-in to put 7/2 co favourite Sir Bob away by two and a quarter lengths. Another 7/2 co favourite, Seangoell came in third albeit a remote 28 lengths away as the front pair drew clear.

Balkito followed up on a wide-margin success in a handicap chase over a similar trip in Thurles last month.

Trainer Barry Connell said: "It was a surprise as I thought the handicapper had him after the last day.

"He is a big, slow horse but jumps grand and that is a big help around here and with the rain we've had overnight, it was loose ground.

"He hasn't had much mileage on him and mightn't run again this year unless it came up soft or heavy.

"I'd be hoping next year, he might get into the bottom of those extended handicaps, races like the Cork National, National Trial or Porterstown Handicap as the more jumping the better for him."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes