Mizani eases to feature race success

With the defection of both Triumphant and Brendan Bracken just four lined up for the feature race at Navan this afternoon the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race for 3yo's over a mile.

The Mick Halford trained Mizani was sent to post the Even money favourite under Shane Foley and he didn’t disappointed as he came home a facile eight and a half length winner.

Having finished fourth on his debut over 1m 2f at the course in April behind Karatash he won on his next start at Naas again over a 1m 2f last month beating Handazan (who won easily at Leopardstown yesterday evening) by just a short head.

His main market rival today was Swerve for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen and she was sent off at 6/4.

She attempted to make all but could find no more with two furlongs to go as Mizani came with his challenge before going on and asserting inside the final furlong to score easily.

The George Kent trained Ronan’s Bay (11/2) came through to take second under Danny Grant while Swerve was third and While You Wait (14/1) was back in fourth.

Winning trainer Mick Halford said afterwards: "He did it well and we thought by the way he travelled in his races that dropping him back in trip (to a mile) wouldn’t inconvenience him.

"He quickened up impressively today and he likes an ease in the ground. I’m not saying we won’t go back up to a mile and a quarter with him but that was a nice win for him today. His future is in stakes races.

"He is a gorgeous big horse who is relaxed and straight forward and he has improved with each run."

The win was a belated birthday present for Halford who turned 50 during the week.

Donal Murphy & Michael Graham