Jakajaro makes winning handicap debut

Jakajaro (15/2, morning 22s) made a winning handicap debut rated 74 in the Curragh's La Celia Wines Sprint Nursery Handicap today, with trainer David Marnane expecting further progression from MRC International-owned colt.

Godolphin-bred and a €38,000 yearling, the Too Darn Hot-colt chased the leaders, led under two furlongs out and scooted clear in the final furlong to easily beat Sanshiro by 4.75 lengths.

Winning jockey Luke McAteer was riding his second winner for Marnane, who reported “he's a lovely horse, we've always liked him and always thought he'd win a maiden. He was good the first day and then the second day here he just lost the plot - he pinged the gates, was too keen and did everything wrong.”

“We brought him back to Fairyhouse, dropped him in and he settled. He probably didn't appreciate that really fast ground but stayed on well and came home well. This was always the plan and when the ground was getting softer we were delighted.

“He's a good horse, I don't know where he'll get to but he's a 90-plus horse anyway. Even in the last half furlong he was green.”

He added “he was well bought, Amy (Marnane, niece) bought him and Jim Bolger's grand-daughter Clare (Manning) recommended him. It's worked out really well.

“Hopefully he can go on. He's in the sales race and that will be his target.”

Quotes from Gary Carson