Hardy juvenile Wood Ranger opens account at Naas

Wood Ranger looks a progressive juvenile after defying top-weight in the Foran Equine Irish EBF Nursery at Naas.

The Kodi Bear gelding was in the money on all three previous starts including a valuable Ballyhane-sponsored race at this venue and justified strong market support going off the 15/8 favourite. Fine Distraction set a blistering pace in this six-furlong event with Wood Ranger the only one to keep in touch with the trailblazer.

Nathan Crosse ’s mount led early in the final furlong and drew clear to score by two and three quarter lengths, with King Wasp another two and a quarter lengths away in third.

Winning trainer Willie McCreery said, “I was trying to get him into the main race (Foran Auction Race Final) but it’s nice to pick up the (Plus 10) bonus here.

“He’s probably a seven-furlong horse but we had to run him with the good prize-money here today. A good strong gallop suited him.

“It’s tough old ground out there and he’s a hardy horse. We’ll try and find another race for him as he loves that ground.”