Superman strikes in Gowran opener

The globe-trotting I Am Superman recorded his second win since re-joining trainer Michael O'Callaghan from Australia when clinging on to land the opening conditions race at Gowran Park.

Colin Keane made the running on the 2/1 co-favourite and he looked to have the race in the bag passing the furlong pole. Fiscal Rules conjured up a late burst though and got within a head of the winner at the line.

I Am Superman was a dual Group 2 winner in his spell 'down under' for the trainer's father and owner Michael O'Callaghan senior and was also narrowly denied in Group 1 company.

“I'm delighted with that, it's his eighth career win,” said O'Callaghan.

“Colin said he hated the ground but being big and strong he managed to get through it and get home.

“He's a very good horse on his day. From the back end of last year I've had the Buckingham Palace Stakes in my head for him. It's seven furlongs at Royal Ascot where they'll go a lick.

“He is a group horse and I don't imagine he'll go up for that as he was 3 or 4lb well in anyway.

“I'll probably keep him fresh between now and then, he runs very well fresh. He owes us absolutely nothing, he's had us all the way around the world.

“He's eight years of age but he's only had 37 runs.

“Jim's horse kept him honest there. Colin was delighted with him, he said he just took a little blow coming to the line.

“Today was the plan, ground or not. It's the same as a bit of work at home and we're running for a bit of prize-money.

“We think seven furlongs is probably his optimum trip, he gets a mile as well but more so around a bend. He can go left and right-handed.

“The only question I have is up a straight but he was placed at the Curragh over seven as a two-year-old.

“Seven furlongs on a straight would be his ideal trip, a mile at Ascot would stretch him. He's in the Summer Mile at the Curragh but he'll probably skip that and we'll keep him fresh.”