Front-running Mezogiorno gets off mark

Front-running tactics reaped rewards for Mezogiorno as she landed the apprentice handicap at Leopardstown under Conor Hoban.

The race worked out well for the Michael Halford-trained filly as she was left alone in front in the mile contest.

The daughter of Zamindar stuck on gamely in the closing stages to post a length victory over 10/3 favourite Korbous

The 10/1 shot had run well to take third at Killarney last time and Halford explained that getting to the lead was the plan tonight:- “She has threatened for a long time to do that. The key is getting her out in front. She has been a slow learner.

“We've always thought she needed a positive ride. She made the running in Bellewstown but they attacked her early and she didn't get home. In Killarney on the tight track she didn't get to the front.

“It was a very good ride from Conor who is riding well at the moment.”