Buffer Zone relishes 'Bold Lad' assignment

Buffer Zone and Colin Keane powered home to land the 'Bold Lad' Sprint Handicap at the Curragh on the second day of Irish Champions Weekend.

The 11/2 joint favourite was almost prominent just behind front-running That's Not Me and travelled best to pick off that rival a furlong and a half out.

He was ridden by Keane to go and win his race but the pair were chased into the furlong furlong by Make A Challenge and Joe Sheridan.

However, in the final 150 yards Buffer Zone came home best to score by a length and three parts.

Make A Challenge (11/2jf) held on to second by a short head from Gulliver (9/1) who rocketed home in third after suffering a less than clear route.

The veteran Gordon Lord Byron put in a good shift for fourth place at 20/1.

Trainer Ger Lyons said: “We thought he was a Group horse in a handicap but they have to deliver. He’s been very straightforward since we got him and has gradually moved up the ranks.

“It never really looked in doubt. He’s a very progressive horse and hopefully he turns into a Group horse.

“He’s in the Ayr Gold Cup next week. It’s not our style to return (that quick). David (Spratt, part owner) and I will sit down and make a plan.

“We were just beaten in the first race yesterday so it’s great to win this one today. It’s the most important weekend in Irish racing as far as I’m concerned.”

Colin Keane added: "He's not a bad horse - he ran well in Group company the last day and back in handicap company we thought he was there with a big shout again.

"He ran a cracker (on his penultimate start when second in the Scurry) and he gave the winner nearly short of two stone, so he was well in today.

"I think he's a stakes horse in a handicap to be honest.

"It is beautiful, quick ground; it's lovely ground."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee