Freescape too hot to handle in Dundalk feature

Billy Lee gave Freescape a fine front-running ride to land the spoils in the €22,000 Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap at Dundalk.

The top-weight was soon in front in the ten furlong contest and Lee was able to dictate matters.

He asked the David Marnane-trained gelding for an effort a furlong-and-a-half from home and the 3/1 joint-favourite kept on strongly to record a three-and-three-quarter length win over market rival Vina Sena

It was a first success in just over a year for the 104-rated performer who had been second in Listed company here in September.

Marnane said: "He loved it, Billy gave him a great spin. We knew there wasn't much pace but he has gone more relaxed now and he is running to that 104, 105, 106 all the time now.

"He is not going to run on Wednesday - he has qualified now for Newcastle for Good Friday, so he'll go to Dubai now and have three or maybe four runs out there. Then he comes back and goes to Newcastle, and then he goes on his holidays.

"Since Meydan last year, he has been running to that 100 all the time. He's a fine, big horse and he's genuine. I think the biggest thing is he is settling down. He's more professional now.

"It is a tough gig taking on the Godolphin horses and he is running in the Group races. He has covered himself in glory out there before. He hasn't won but he has been placed in a lot of good races. His first run last year he was beaten two lengths by Lord Glitters, I'd take that any day in Dubai!"

(Quotes by Michael Graham)