Alan Magee
Harry Time breezes to success on debut
Harry Time wins under Leigh Roche
© Photo Healy Racing
Harry Time got his career off to the best possible start when justifying strong support on debut in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Navan.
The Michael O’Callaghan-trained colt was snapped up for 82,000 guineas at the Newmarket Breeze Up Sale last month and gave connections an immediate repayment here.
The son of first-season sire Harry Angel was available at 10/1 earlier in the day and supported on track from 7/1 into 4/1.
Leigh Roche ’s mount struck the front over a furlong out and kept on well to score by a length and a quarter.
The Ballydoyle representative Broadhurst finished best to claim the runner-up spot, with 11/8 favourite Beauty Crescent a further half a length back in third.
Michael O'Callaghan said: "He loved the ground. He's sort of an uncomplicated horse, a good-moving horse, and very laid-back.
"I'm delighted he went and did it the way he did because if he didn't, the others are no good at home! We've run a yardstick now and we are happy with him, delighted. We obviously have a nice bunch to run. It is no good catching pigeons in the morning if they can't do it in the afternoon.
"I think he could be a Coventry horse - the stiff six in Ascot for the Coventry.
"If anything, he got a bit more idle in front than anything - he won well."
When asked if he is one of his best juveniles, he replied: "I have some nice ones, but yes he is up there. They have to go and do it."
Paddy Power gave the winner a quote of 20/1 for the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot next month.
(MG & AM)