'Slow developer' Masoun follows-up on Down Royal success

Having made the breakthrough on his ninth start at Down Royal last month, Masoun followed-up in the Donohue Marquees Handicap.

Racing off a career high mark of 80, the Johnny Murtagh-trained three-year-old proved easy-to-back this afternoon, going off a 7/1 chance from early shows of 9/2.

Settled in mid-division on the inner, the bay victor was seventh on the approach to the straight, taking closer order when switched off the rail with over two-furlongs to go.

Ridden to challenge over a furlong from home, he soon improved to lead, keeping on well from there to score by a length-and-three-quarters in the colours of the Aga Khan.

Owned and trained by Daniel McLoughlin, Solar Breeze filled the runner-up spot under Scott McCullagh, while French Company (14/1) and Slurricane (11/1) were third and fourth respectively.

Returned the 5/2 favourite, recent course and distance winner Puturhandstogether faded when headed from the furlong pole and eventually finished seventh.

"He's a slow developer but much improved now," Murtagh commented.

"He did a nice piece of work during the week. It looked a competitive handicap, but Ben said he travelled really well and he quickened up well. He said don't be afraid to go a mile and a half.

"It depends on what the handicapper does with him now, but we might stick him up to a mile and a half the next time to see if that could bring another bit of improvement."

STEWARDS REPORT

W.M. Lordan, rider of Everylittlestep trained by Yvonne Latta, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was keen and leaned left throughout. The Raceday Stewards subsequently requested further clarification from W.M Lordan who reported that his mount was a very difficult ride and was leaning left and right. He concluded by reporting that as gaps were appearing, they were closing before he could fill them. Having considered the report in full, the Raceday Stewards noted the content of the report.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee