Sure Reef relishes step up in trip

Sure Reef came from well off the pace and powered home down the centre of the track under Shane Foley to give Mick Halford the winner of the mile and three handicap for three-year-olds at Killarney.

The 2/1 market leader came with a relentless gallop to cut down South South West (13/2) by a snug length and a quarter at the finish.

Sure Reef had stayed on strongly at Leopardstown five days ago for second place in a mile and one furlong handicap.

There was money in the ring for third placed King Of Oriel (5/1 to 4/1) so money back for each way punters. Montrel was the real money horse – 9/1 this morning to an SP of 7/2 – but he never got into the race coming home sixth for Edward Harty and Fran Berry.

Mick Halford, sporting a sling on his right arm after injuring his shoulder and ribs at home, said: “Being by Choisir you wouldn’t expect him to stay but he must get his stamina from the dam who won a one mile six furlong Listed race [Cutting Reef].

“He does nothing in a hurry and a step up in trip certainly suited. He’d have to go to Galway and he’ll come up the hill. He’s genuine and takes his racing well.”

This was Sure Reef’s first win at the eighth attempt.

Michael Graham (on course reporting by Alan Magee)