Hell Left Loose justifies support at fancy prices

Hell Left Loose stepped forward on his second start for Denis Hogan to justify support at some big prices in division two of the Inpho Photography Handicap at Naas.

The four-year-old gelding made little impact at Leopardstown last month but the drop back to six furlongs proved successful as early morning odds of 50/1 were slashed to 9/1 by the off.

Joe Doyle ’s mount was prominent throughout and responded gamely under pressure to just get the better of a final furlong tussle with top-weight Improving by a head.

The 3/1 favourite Teddy Boy didn’t enjoy the clearest of passages finishing two and a quarter lengths back in third.

Hogan said, “It’s nice to be the right side of a tight one. He’s always worked smart since we got him.

“My assistant Damien Skehan sourced him. A friend of his owned him and he felt there would be a day in him and he was right.

“The boys in the yard were raving about him but I would always be sceptical of a horse that works too good to be true off the ratings. Hopefully there might be something similar in him.

“To be fair to HRI they are dividing these races and there are plenty of opportunities for these type of horses.”