Northern Surprise benefits from wind op

Northern Surprise (8/1) and Billy Lee repelled all the closers in the extended seven furlong handicap at Tipperary.

On the approach to the straight the four-year-old gelding raced in fourth before unleashing his challenge a furlong and a half from home.

Under a drive from Lee, he got his head in front of Octavia just inside the final furlong and forged on to win by half a length and a neck from the fast-finishing Oor Jock (4/1) and Octavia (4/1).

There was a bunch finish for the places as Athassel and Knights Templar were only a head and a neck further away in fourth and fifth respectively.

Trainer Tim Doyle said: "He goes like a nice horse at home but was disappointing in the spring and had a wind operation since his last run.

"The ground is as quick as he'd like it and he'll go to Galway for something next."

Billy Lee added: "I just thought the ground might be a bit quick for him but the rain arrived on the top of it and it is nice and safe (ground).

"He has travelled well all the way. I got there a bit soon and he was idling in front but he has kept going well. Tim said he was very happy with him beforehand. He had a little wind op since his last run and it has done the trick."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes