Goal Exceeded hits the target over shorter trip

Goal Exceeded appreciated the drop back to six furlongs when opening his account at the third attempt in the Tifrums Irish EBF (C&G) Maiden at Naas.

The John O’Donoghue-trained colt had shown promise on his previous two outings including over seven here last month and quickened to the front here over a furlong out.

The 7/2 shot soon edged left towards the far rail but kept on well to beat Take Me To Church who finished with good effect, by three quarters of a length.

The 4/9 favourite Il Pellegrino could find no extra a further length and three quarters back in third.

Whelan said, “He travelled nice and you could see the last day he was crying out for the drop back in trip.

“It showed how good he is as I came up the worst of the ground, it’s way better on the rail.

“I just had to go where I was (drawn wide in 11) and didn’t want to break his stride. He’s quite a big, scopey horse and loved them conditions.

“He could be a nice horse for next spring. John and his team at home have done a good job as mentally he’s quite hard on himself and he’s progressed with each run.”

O’Donoghue is currently away at the sales in Deauville.