McCourt newcomer springs a 66/1 surprise

There was a shock winner of the three-year-old maiden when Two Socks (nibbled at from 100/1 into 66s before the off) made a winning debut.

The grey daughter of Markaz raced in mid-division and, after being switched to the outer two furlongs out by 10lb claimer James Ryan, she picked up well to get up close home. Knightlaila who had led from early, went down by just a head with Kawazaki a neck further back in third.

For 17-year-old Ryan it was a second winner after his breakthrough success on Philly’s Hope last month.

Winning trainer Tom McCourt said: “She's a very nice filly and we've liked her a lot all along but I thought she'd take the run. I thought she was a little bit backward.

“Even two furlongs down I said I'd be happy if she could hang on to mid-division. She'll definitely get a mile-and-a-quarter.

“I told the lads I'd be delighted with mid-division if she just learns what it is about. She's from a very good dam line.

“I thought we'd probably end up going handicapping with her so I'll just have to go back now and see what there is for her. She will improve stepping up in trip.”

Quotes from Gary Carson