Oxx and Coen team up to land the claimer

Be Like The Bird (25/1, from 14s on course) was friendless in the market but had her nose in front when it mattered under Ben Coen to take the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Claiming 2-y-o Maiden for John Oxx.

The daughter of Dandy Man had been well held on softer going at Roscommon on her previous start, but had run quite well at Sligo the time before, and was game here as she appeared to get a smack on the face by a rival’s whip close home but wasn’t deterred as she just held the fast-finishing Bellsinthewood (5/2) by a nose. Gunmetal Jack (8/1), having tried to make all, finished third another half a length back with the 7/4 favourite Jawbone a close fourth on debut.

It was a ninth winner of the season for Oxx, who commented: “She’s a genuine little filly, and I’d imagine somebody will claim her. She’s very straight forward and sound, and should give someone a bit of fun.

“I didn’t think she should have been 25/1 as in her grade she had decent enough form. She had a nice draw and Ben Coen gave her a lovely ride. He saved a bit of ground, produced her at the right time and got it on the nod.

“I’ve had three runners in claimers this year and two of them have won and the other was second, so I’m a big fan of claimers!”

The winner was the only horse claimed from the race, at a price of 10,000 Euros, and she joins Denis Hogan.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee