Shoebox King gets off the mark in Down Royal

Shoebox King availed of stall one to take the Coors Handicap over five furlongs in Down Royal.

The Aclaim gelding disputed the lead on the inner and held a definite lead over a furlong from home. He faced a stern challenge close home but held on by a head at 9/1. Harmony Rose was just denied in second at 6/1 and was a neck in front of Neo Soul (4/1).

Jockey Joe Doyle said: "He has run well a number of times this year, but I'm really glad he has got his head in front today.

"Kevin (Coleman) has done a really good job keeping him fresh all year. He likes that ground and he can turn up in those okay sorts of sprints and he'll always run his race.

"The draw probably was the key today."

This was his breakthrough success on his 13th start. He was runner-up in his last two outings in maiden company.