Don't forget Dabadiyan's name

Initially assessed as an 80 horse after three fourth placings in maiden company, Dabadiyan bolted up off a rating of 92 in his first handicap in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund 'Ragusa' backed mile and a half handicap at the Curragh.

Going off a well-backed 5/2 favourite on the back of a course and distance victory three weeks ago, the Declan McDonogh-ridden Dabadiyan led under two furlongs out before powering away impressively to slam Curley Bill by three and a half lengths.

Hat-trick seeker Benbecula made the running until headed before the straight. He dropped away quickly, something obviously amiss, to finish a tailed off last.

Mick Halford handles Dabadiyan for the Aga Khan and the local trainer enthused: "He's improving all the time. We thought plenty of him when he won his maiden and we thought 92 was a fair enough mark here.

"He's come on a lot in his homework. We were thinking about going to Roscommon for the Lenebane Stakes but he was in such good form that we thought this was an easier stepping-stone.

"Declan said he gave him a great feel – settling, travelling beautifully and quickening up.

"There's plenty more to come. He's just a horse that's coming to hand really well.

"Everything is easy for him. He's very easy to train and very professional.

"He's just a decent horse."

Second in the Irish Leger last year with another Aga Khan Zamindar colt, Massiyn, Halford remarked: "This fellow is progressing along similar lines." (GC & EM)