Photosynthesis energetic at the finish

Champion jockey Colin Keane's booking for Photosynthesis proved to be highly significant as his mount battled past Annie Edson Taylor close home in the median auction maiden.

Some 18 juveniles lined up for this sprint over the extended five furlongs and Annie Edson Taylor tracked front-runner Ally Pally with Photosynthesis in touch.

Annie Edson Taylor hit the front a furlong and a-half down, but was soon followed through by Photosynthesis and that duo went on from the field inside the final furlong.

Annie Edson Taylor still held a narrow advantage, but she was strongly pressed by Photosynthesis and the latter gave it another go close home and was rewarded with victory by a neck.

The winner was returned at 15/2 from the 13/8 favourite. Market-mover Madame Plaintiff (14/1 - 17/2) fared best of the rest in third, some four-and-three-quarter-lengths adrift.

Trainer Chris Timmons said: “He did it very well, we've always liked him.

“When we bought him he was tiny, he looked like a little ball of a two-year-old but he just kept going through growth spurts.

“We gave him time, kept doing a bit and then letting him out for a couple of weeks. The patience has paid off.

“I think they think a lot of Kevin Coleman's filly (Annie Edson Taylor), so I'm delighted.

“We had a nice bunch of two-year-olds, a couple of them were just turned out last week as they are more three-year-old types. They had a run, ran promisingly so we let them out early and will get them back in for the spring. It's been a slow burner.”

When asked on future plans for the winner he added: “If we still have him, there is a Listed race in Newbury in a month's time. Colin thought a step up to seven would be no problem.

“He's not flash - he's so laid back and just keeps finding, so you probably wouldn't know where the bottom of him is.

“I rode out with Colin in Ger Lyons' and he's champion jockey, so if you can get him you have to use him.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson