Bendzoldan scores for Harrington/Berry

The Jessica Harrington trained Bendzoldan overcame a bad draw to win the Samsung Star Handicap at Down Royal today, under a canny ride from Fran Berry.

Berry looked eager to break smartly on the daughter of Refuse To Bend and, having been drawn 11, managed to steer a course towards the inside running rail at halfway. The winner hit the front a furlong out before staying on well for a narrow win over Lift The Gloom

Harrington was absent but Berry did later say “the form of her run the last day got a boost when Give Me Shelter won again since.

“She was drawn wide today but I got her across early and going down the hill I got onto the rail. She battled on well, is tough and genuine and in this grade she might win again.”